Gaffer Alex Neil was full of praise for young Dan Neil, claiming that the 20-year-old has transformed into a different player over pre-season.
DIFFERENT PLAYER
"I think Dan Neil for me looks a different player to what he did when I walked in the door. He's looked fresh, bright, athletic, and he's looked good quality which we knew that he had. I think he's in a miles better place than he was then."
AWARD WINNER
"And listen, it's difficult because it was his first season. He did really, really well and scooped all sorts of awards for what he did in the first part of the season and rightly so."
DROP OFF
"Naturally though in your first year there is going to be a bit of a drop off, whether that be physically, mentally or both. I felt that happened with Dan but he's come back and I think he looks revitalised, and he's determined because he wants to make sure that he shows his best self."
UNDOUBTED QUALITY
"I think he's done that in pre-season, and I've been really pleased with that. Listen, I don't doubt Dan Neil's quality. I see it every day."
YOUNGSTERS
"They should have no fear, and embrace the challenge. That's hopefully what youth brings you, you shouldn't be scared of what's coming."
LIFE CHANGER
"The one thing I'll say is, if you go and have a good Championship season, you're not a potential £1 million player from League One. You can potentially go double-figure million pound type player. Look at Djed Spence as a perfect example. He couldn't really get into the Middlesbrough team, had a great season on loan at Nottingham Forest and has now gone to Tottenham for £12 million or whatever the figure was. It really can change your life if you can affect it at this level."
