In Focus: Five Championship young guns to watch

There are few better breeding grounds for top talent than the Championship — and next season will be no exception.

England's second tier is packed full of hot prospects set for a breakout campaign in 2022-23.

But which of the division's youngsters have what it takes to reach the Premier League's promised land?

We profile five prodigious players who are set to shine next term.

Alex Scott

Alex Scott has been making a name for himself at the European Under-19 Championship this summer — but the 18-year-old's remarkable ability is nothing new to Bristol City supporters.

Nicknamed the 'Guernsey Grealish' because of his similar playing style to the Manchester City star, Scott is already a first-team regular at Ashton Gate and featured 39 times across all competitions last season.

He chipped in with four goals and two assists before bringing that goalscoring instinct to Slovakia last month.

The talented teenager scored with his first touch against Italy, to send the Young Lions into the competition's final against Israel.

After impressing on the continental stage, there will be even more eyes on the Robins' new No7 in 2022-23.

Daniel Jebbison

Another member of England's U-19s squad who can make a big impact next season is Daniel Jebbison.

The striker made headlines when he became the youngest player to score on their first Premier League start after netting for Sheffield United against Everton in May 2021.

A 6ft 5in colossus, Jebbison is already attracting interest from the Toffees, Leeds and Borussia Dortmund — so he may not be at Bramall Lane too much longer.

But the Blades will be hoping to keep hold of their 18-year-old starlet for the campaign ahead, after he impressed during a loan spell at Burton that yielded nine goals in 23 matches.

Dan Neil

Former Sunderland boss Lee Johnson was full of praise for Black Cats midfielder Dan Neil — likening the 20-year-old to England legend Paul Gascoigne.

Speaking last October, he said: "He [Neil] has got that lovely dribbling technique — a little bit like a young Paul Gascoigne almost in the way he pops and drags it at the same time.

"As a defender, it's very difficult to commit because the minute you do, he's got the ability to skip by you."

The boyhood Sunderland fan contributed three goals and seven assists as the Wearsiders secured League One promotion via the play-offs last term.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed with Aston Villa, Brighton, Wolves and Leeds all reportedly keeping tabs on the in-demand maestro.

Jacob Greaves

Hull centre-back Jacob Greaves is believed to be on West Ham's radar, after a sensational two seasons at the MKM Stadium.

The 21-year-old won promotion from League One with the Tigers in his debut campaign, before starting every single Championship fixture last term.

And Hull's No4 appears keen to stay in Humberside despite interest from elsewhere.

Speaking in May, he said: "I feel really happy with where I am, but definitely, I want to sign a new deal, there's no doubt about that.

"If the right one comes along then I will 100% sign it, it's a no-brainer for me. I love the club and it's one very close to my heart.

"If I can sign another long-term deal here then I would, without a shadow of a doubt."

Tyrhys Dolan

Blackburn forward Tyrhys Dolan is under contract until 2024 with an option for a further year — but that will not stop clubs clamouring for his signature.

The versatile attacker has operated across Rovers' forward line since arriving from Preston in 2020, making 76 appearances in all competitions.

Now 20, the nimble frontman is wanted by Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers, after registering four league goals and three assists in 2021-22.

But with Jon Dahl Tomasson newly installed in the Ewood Park dugout, Blackburn's sought-after No10 will surely be a big part of the Danish tactician's plans for the coming season.