Neil Redfearn was full of pride after seeing midfielder Alex Mowatt collect the Football League Young Player of the Month award for November.

Mowatt, who progressed through the ranks at Thorp Arch, worked with Redfearn in the club’s youth system before going on to establish himself as a key part of the first team.

The 19-year-old was in sensational form throughout November – scoring three goals in five games, including a fine strike in Redfearn’s first game in charge at Cardiff.

"It’s really well deserved, he’s an outstanding young talent is Alex," said Redfearn.

"He’s had a great month of football. He’s scoring goals, creating chances and he looks the all-round midfield player.

"I think he’s got more comfortable with his surroundings. I think he realises and appreciates now that he is a valid member of the first team.

"I think he’s relishing it now. He’s getting his feet under the table and I think there’s more to come from Alex, he’s capable of scoring goals and he’s an outstanding talent."

Redfearn also believes the award reflects well on the Academy, with Alex one of a number of Thorp Arch graduates now in his first-team squad.

"It’s a great thing because it just shows you what the Academy is capable of and the hard work that people have put into the Academy to get these kids through," said the head coach.

"It’s the mainstay of what we’re doing. They’ve put a new vibrancy into the football club, they’ve given us a different slant on it.

"We’re capable of playing this passing football because they’ve got the technique to do it.

"They’re comfortable with the ball, it’s what they’ve worked on and what they understand. The seniors are buying into it as well.

"The good thing is if you look through the Academy now in the age groups, we’ve got kids that are coming in with the same potential.

"We’ve got kids in the Under-16s, 15s and 14s that are more than capable of going on and doing something similar."

Sam Byram collected the same award in March 2013 during his impressive breakthrough season, and Redfearn is confident there are more young players ready to follow suit.

"He’s in good company. Sam Byram is another top young player who’s gone through this process that Alex is going through now," he said.

"We’ve also got Lewis Cook on the scene. Charlie Taylor is knocking on the door, Chris Dawson is there too.

"We’ve got players that are in the Under-21s that are really pushing as well – Kalvin Phillips, Alex Purver – they’re good players.

"I keep adding them to squads, getting them a feel for it. I want them to feel part of it and feel that they’ve got a realistic chance of getting in. I think that has got to be the message that runs through."