John Eustace addresses Derby County striker future as he confirms talks plan
John Eustace has discussed Jerry Yates’ future.
The 28-year-old striker is currently on loan at Pride Park from Championship rivals Swansea City, having been signed by former Rams head coach Paul Warne last summer.
Yates has scored eight goals in 36 Championship matches for Derby to be the club’s top scorer in the league this season.
He is likely to play a huge role as Eustace attempts to steer the Rams to survival in the final six matches of the campaign, with Derby currently only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
And with his focus fully on avoiding the drop into League One, Eustace will wait until the end of the season to make any decision over trying to keep the player or letting him return to Swansea where he is under contract until 2026.
Asked if he would like to keep Yates beyond this summer, Eustace said: “I think Jerry has done very well – that is something we will discuss at the end of the year.”
Yates could return to action when Derby host leaders Burnley at Pride Park on Tuesday (7:45pm), having been ineligible to play against his parent club last Saturday – the Rams losing 1-0 to Swansea.
Asked if Yates’ absence had been a factor in the defeat, Eustace added: “Jerry’s been great.
“He scored on Wednesday (against Preston) but (Kayden) Jackson came in and did well, he worked his socks off as the rest of the group did.”
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