Derby County's academy has been awarded with the highest level, Category One status.

The Premier League's Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) tests 10 factors of the academy, including productivity rates, training facilities and welfare, coaching and education provisions.

Academy manager Darren Wassall told BBC Sport: "It's a great tribute to everyone involved.

"The club have shown their commitment to the development of young homegrown players over the past five seasons."

Derby are just the sixth club in the second tier to hold Category One status and have produced first-team players such as Mason Bennett and Jeff Hendrick.

Current first-team player Will Hughes was a product of the Derby academy and has gone on to represent England at Under-21 level.