Gary Rowett: 'Demarai Gray is one of best young players in country'

Birmingham City manager Gary Rowett has described winger Demarai Gray as one of the hottest young talents in England.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last season with seven goals from 29 appearances and has been linked with a move to Bournemouth this summer.

Rowett told The Mirror: "We've got one of the best young players in the country in Demarai. When you go to a club you look for game changers and generally they cost a lot of money. So to have one already here at 18 was massive for us.

"He can be one of the best. He's not there yet – if I said he was he'd be the complete package and he's not. He knows that and the good thing about him is that he's level headed and anxious to learn. He's a top talent, there's not many who can drift past defenders and, even in a local derby against Wolves, be perfectly poised even at the end of a long run.

"He shows no fear or panic. He's got all the attributes to be a top player. Only time will tell whether he can piece it all together and reach the top."

Liverpool reportedly have the first option to buy Gray.