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Derby County - Player To Watch - Robert Earnshaw

From Alan Hylands, for About.com

Derby County and Wales international striker, Robert Earnshaw
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Robert EarnshawMatthew Lewis / Getty Images
Robert Earnshaw
It's a big season for Billy Davies and Derby County, back in the top flight for the first time since slipping through the relegation trap door in 2002. The following five years brought financial probes, several managers and a surprise promotion run last season culminating in victory over West Bromwich Albion in the play off finals. Already one of the favourites to go straight back down, Derby need experienced heads to look to when the chips are down and in Rob Earnshaw they've got a man with a point to prove.

Widely touted as a potential top Premiership player while in the lower leagues with Cardiff City, Earnshaw's career has never really taken off at the top level and after disappointing spells at West Brom and Norwich City he is ready to play more and score more Premiership goals this time around. Surprisingly Earnshaw's goal to minutes played ratio at Premier League level is second only to Thierry Henry, a fact that owes more to his lack of top level football than a prodigious goal return in seasons past.

Derby County need goals and in Rob Earnshaw they have a man with all the tools to provide them. Billy Davies will hope that he does.
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