A hard work ethic and the right attitude - two key factors that Phil Cannon will be looking to instil in the Rams' young footballers.

Cannon has taken over as Derby's new Academy boss having worked in the past with some of the country's top talents at Everton and Swindon.

And he knows just what he is looking for in the next generation of professionals.

"The bottom line is, if you have watched the Champions League recently the players have all got fantastic ability but they work hard too," he told www.dcfc.co.uk.

"Anyone can achieve that with the right attitude and we will instil that hard-work ethic into them.

"I spoke to one of the lads the other day and told him that hard work will always overcome talent, but the two together will always overcome anything.

"I have seen so many talented players fall by the wayside over the years because they didn't want to work hard."

So how do you begin moulding a player in that way - is it with technical training, to boost his ability, or is it getting the right thoughts in his head?

"The starting point is the recruitment - you're looking for players with good attitudes," said Cannon.

"But people will ask how you can tell a good attitude in someone who is eight or ten-years-old.

"The first thing to ask is whether he is enthusiastic. Does he like being beaten? Does he help his team-mates?

"And what is a poor attitude? Someone who sulks, someone who moans and blames his team-mates.

"You have got to have the basic technique but a good attitude is essential and you have got to get the right coaches at the right age-groups.

"Some coaches want the players to come into their world but it doesn't work that way.

"You have got to be part of them, and get into the players' world, and once they like you they will achieve as they should.

"I am not saying that a coach should be soft with the players but they have got to like you and respect you.

"Hopefully, when they get to the age of 16 and they are passed on to David Lowe, those good attitudes will be instilled in them."