Giles Barnes has progressed through the Derby County Academy to become one of the most talked-about young players in the country.

The exciting talent can operate anywhere across midfield or further up the park to devastating effect.

Barnes is pacy, skilful and gives opposition defences a real headache.

He added goals to his game in 2006/07 with some crucial strikes, including the winner for a first victory at Leeds United in 32 years, and he has a knack for the spectacular.

His first of the campaign was a world-class volley to earn a point at Cardiff, while screamers against Barnsley, and solo efforts against Colchester, Sunderland and Cardiff all go to showcase the ability this young man has.

He came off the bench in the play-off semi-final second leg against Southampton to help turn the game in Derby's favour, and did the same at Wembley in the final with the assist for Stephen Pearson's promotion-winning goal.

Barnes, an England U18 and U19 international, first signed professional with Derby on his 17th birthday in August 2005.

His senior debut came as a substitute in the Carling Cup, Championship football came his way for the first time the following month, and after earning his first start in February 2006 he hasn't looked back.

In March 2007 he was named as the Powerade Coca-Cola Championship Player of the Month after scoring twice and putting in a string of fine performances.

He ended the 2006/07 campaign by taking home the Sammy Crooks Trophy as Derby's young player of the year.

Barnes picked up a stress fracture in his foot during May's play-off final at Wembley and didn't make his Premier League bow until September 22, when he came on for 15 minutes in the defeat at Arsenal.

The youngster's first start of the season came at the end of October against Everton.

And his first-ever Premier League goal arrived on December 23 with a bullet-like low drive from 20 yards to put Derby in front at Newcastle.

He was becoming a regular in the team in a variety of positions but suffered a serious knee injury in February that has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Barnes visited America for an operation performed by the world-famous Dr Richard Steadman, the man credited with saving the careers of numerous top stars.

He made a comeback as a second-half substitute in the 2-2 draw at Charlton on December 15, then followed that up with another appearance as a replacement against Watford five days later.

Barnes made a loan move to Premier League side Fulham in January, for a deal that ran to the end of the season, but he failed to make an appearance for the Cottagers.

LAST UPDATED: June 1 2009.