DERBY COUNTY boss Paul Warne claims Sunderland’s ability to successfully recruit young players is the key factor that has transformed them into genuine contenders for automatic promotion this season.

Warne watched his Derby side suffer a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Black Cats on Tuesday night, and while he was slightly disappointed with his players’ passivity in the first half in particular, he ultimately conceded the Rams had lost to a side who have every chance of finishing in the top two this term.

That is a marked contrast to last season, which ended with Sunderland languishing in 16th position, and while the appointment of Regis Le Bris has clearly been a major factor, Warne feels it is the strength of the club’s recruitment that has been the key catalyst for their marked improvement.

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“What I really like about them is that they've recruited really well and they're all at an age where they can run,” said the Derby boss. “Their main players don't pick up many injuries and that enables them to pick a regular team which is great for a manager.

“It allows the players to get consistency and from that belief - and they also have pace, which I love.”

Warne admitted it was the pace of Sunderland’s counter-attacking capabilities that had really stood out when he watched clips of the Black Cats prior to Tuesday’s game.

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In the likes of Wilson Isidor, Eliezer Mayenda, Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, Sunderland boast a number of players who can turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.

Throw in the high level of athleticism that goes hand in hand with having so many talented youngsters, as well as Le Bris’ tactical nous and astute in-game management, and you have plenty of the ingredients that are needed for a successful promotion push.

“There were times when we got stretched (in Tuesday’s game), and it wasn't from unbelievable rotations, which they can do, it was from athleticism,” said Warne. “When you go for them, they've got real pace on the counter and that's scary.

“We were almost laughing looking at the pace they had in the last game, and that always give you an outlet.

“They've got a really good chance (of winning promotion), and they have the ignorance of youth. They don't have any fear because that comes to you later in life, they have a freshness.

“They seem to be using the same players in most of the games and that's testament to the physical department.”