Fabian Delph

Fabian Delph

Fabian Delph celebrates his goal at Brighton

Bradford-born Fabian's impressive form in season 2008-2009 was underlined by his inclusion in the PFA League One Team of the Year, and the winning of the FourFourTwo Young Player of the Year.

He was also named the PFA League One Player of the Month for November, and enjoyed a hat-trick at the club's Player of the Year Awards when he picked up Young Player of the Year, Players Player of the Year, and Goal of the Season.

A product of the club's Academy system, he made his debut as an 18-year-old when he came on as substitute against Derby County at Pride Park on the last day of the 2006-2007 campaign.

In 2007-2008, however, his first team experiences were limited to two substitute outings - at Portsmouth in the Carling Cup and at home to Gillingham in the final game of the League One campaign. He was an unused substitute for the cup game at Macclesfield.

A midfielder, Fabian has pace and good ball control and after representing England under-19s during the summer of 2008 he joined up with Gary McAllister's first team squad for the final weeks of pre-season.

Simon Grayson and Fabian Delph

He impressed against Barnet and was handed his first start of the season in the 5-2 Carling Cup win at Chester City. Fab quickly established himself as a member of McAllister's squad and, despite attracting enquiries from a number of Premiership clubs, the youngster signed a four-year contract with the club in September 2008.

He celebrated his new contract by scoring his first goal for the club the following day against Crewe at Elland Road, and he collected his third Man of the Match award in four games.

The youngster's development continued at a pace and he won his first England under-21 cap against the Czech Republic at Bramall Lane in November. His run of fine form continued with stunning goals against Stockport and Brighton, the latter proving to be the club's Goal of the Season.

The teenager made his 50th appearance of last season in the Play-Off semi-final first leg against Millwall.

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