Nigeria-eligible teenage midfielder David Ozoh out for the rest of the season with thigh injury

NIGERIA-eligible midfielder David Ozoh currently on loan to English Championship side Derby County will now miss the rest of the season after sustaining a thigh injury which the club's medics have described as a major injury.

Ozoh, 19, who has been described a hugely talented player, is a Crystal Palace player but was sent out on loan to Derby County to get playing time. Born in Valencia, he eligible to represent Nigeria, Spain and England at international level  and the player has said he is open to featuring for the Super Eagles.

About two years ago, Ozoh revealed that he had not yet been contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation about playing for the country. For now, however, Ozoh will not be seeing any international action as Derby County manager John Eustace revealed that he is out until the end of the current season.

Ozoh is Crystal Palace's youngest player in Premier League history but his time at Derby County has been blighted by injuries and his latest setback is set to keep him out of action for an extended period. Unfortunately, Ozoh was stretchered off during Derby County's last Championship match against Millwall in midweek.

Mr Eustace said: "Unfortunately, David will be missing for the rest of the season now. It's big injury and a big loss to the group for sure. He's a fantastic character my short time being with him for the last couple of weeks. He's a gentleman, a nice lad and he gets on really well with the group."

He added that Ozoh will remain around the building for the rest of the season to stay connected with the group. Since his arrival at Derby County, Ozoh has made 12 appearances, including 10 starts, from a possible 37 in all competitions, scoring his first senior goal in a 3-0 win over Bristol City back in August.