Outside the Premiership there is an exciting pool of talent that is just waiting to be given the chance to play at the top, here is a collective Top 10 in no particular order:
1. Lee Camp
The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper has been an assured presence for his side this season; he kept 20 clean sheets this season including a run of consecutive clean sheets where he didn’t concede for 10.5 hours. He is an assured presence in goal and is capable of pulling of some stunning reaction saves; he commands his area well and has all the traits of becoming a top class goalkeeper.
2. Joe Ledley
The Welsh midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Premiership, and with Cardiff City narrowly missing out on playing their next season, Ledley may want to take matters into his own hands. The 23-year-old is a great passer of the ball and is ready to make the step up.
3. Charlie Austin
Less than 12 months ago nobody would have heard of Charlie Austin, the former Reading trainee was signed by Swindon Town last summer after scoring 46 goals in 46 games for non-league Poole Town. Austin handled the step-up to League 1 brilliantly and has 20 goals to his name and he will be looking to add this total in the play-off final on Saturday. Still only 20-years-old it won’t be long until someone in the Premiership decides to take a chance on him.
4. Robert Snodgrass
Snodgrass has excelled at Leeds ever since his move there from Livingston; he’s comfortable on both wings and can play behind the striker. His movement is first class and he has a good crossing ability and an eye for goal.
5. Nathaniel Clyne
Still only 19, Clyne has made nearly 50 appearances for Crystal Palace. The right back looks to be a very exciting prospect and despite them playing on different flanks has been likened to a young Ashley Cole. Clyne reject a move to Wolves back in January but that is surely just delaying the inevitable that he will be soon playing in the Premiership.
Click here to see numbers 6-10
6. Joe Lewis
Peterborough’s miserable season in the Championship could have been a whole lot worse if it wasn’t for their young goalkeeper. Lewis has been an ever-present for the club since his move from Norwich in 2008, after just five months at the club he received a shock call-up to the England team for their games against Trinidad and Tobago and the USA but was an unused substitute in both games. Definitely one to keep an eye on.
7. Ross McCormack
A similar player to Robert Snodgrass, the Scotsman is one of Cardiff’s most exciting players with his movement and trickery. He has a good eye for goal and could be likely to depart the club this summer, he hasn’t featured as much as last season due to the good form of Chopra and Bothroyd but definitely has the most talent out of the three.
8. Nicky Bailey
Charlton’s tireless midfielder has been a consistent performer for the club, scoring 26 goals from midfield over two seasons. He is a tough-tackler with an eye for goal and his work-rate makes him a very formidable opponent to play against. It may be that he needs another stepping stone before playing in the Premier League but with his desire and tenacious ability he will definitely get there in the end.
9. Chris Cohen
The central midfielder was instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s promotion challenge an looks to be a very assured player. His goal against Blackpool in the Championship play-off semi-final was of pure class and showed what brilliant technique he has. At 23, the former West Ham youth product will soon get the chance to prove his old club wrong for letting him go.
10. Adam Lallana
Although he might have been overshadowed by team mate Rickie Lambert’s goalscoring exploits this season, Lallana has still been a key player for Southampton. The attacking midfielder is an all-round player as he has a good goalscoring ability, can provide a key pass and can even get stuck in when necessary. With these many attributes to his game he is sure to be a success.
Follow me on Twitter