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Derby coach Kevin Phillips reckons Will Hughes can thrive in the Premier League but still insists the Rams were right to sell.

Some County fans are upset Derby boss Gary Rowett has agreed to sell the England U21 international and ex-trainee to Watford for £8million.

Phillips, 43, speaking at the Icons golf tournament at The Belfry, responded: “I am sure Will will be suited for the Premier League.

“But he has moved on and we will move on.

“The manager is not afraid to make decisions which is right.

“I think what you have to do is find players in the Championship who are quite robust and can go Saturday to Tuesday and again.

(Image: Nathan Stirk) (Image: PA)

“Statistically if you look at teams who win the Championship they don't make many changes.

“So that is what Gary is trying to do to get a team to play week in week out, it is very difficult because everyone is looking for those players.

“But we have already made two additions with Andre Wisdom and Curtis Davies and I am sure there will be another couple of additions.

(Image: AMA/Getty)

“Curtis has been in Championship-winning teams, he has played in the Premier League, he has experience and is a leader.

“I played with him, know him very well and he is a good signing.

“Andre Wisdom played at Derby before and won the title last year with Red Bull Salzburg in Austria. They are two good acquisitions from my point of view.”