Jewell aiming to keep Ghaly

Derby boss Paul Jewell is keen to keep hold of on-loan midfielder Hossam Ghaly for next season – but admits he may face a struggle.

The Tottenham player arrived at Pride Park until the end of the season in January after being told he has no future at White Hart Lane.

It took time for the Egyptian to settle into the County side but he has starred for the Rams – who face Everton tomorrow – in recent weeks.

Jewell revealed he plans to hold talks with the in-form ex-Feyenoord man over keeping him in the east midlands.

But with his relegated side facing up to the prospect of life in the Coca-Cola Championship next season, Jewell accepts Ghaly, who still has two years left on his Spurs contract, could attract interest from other top-flight sides.

“If Hossam shows the quality he has in the last few games he is a Premier League footballer really, so we might find it difficult to hold on to him,” Jewell conceded.

“I think there’s a lot more to come from him. I’ve spoken to Hossam at length telling him he should get more goals with his quality, and we would like to keep him.

“It’s something we haven’t spoken about yet but it’s something we will approach in the near future.”

Fellow Rams midfielder David Jones believes tomorrow could be a good time to play the Toffees given their current run of form.

Although David Moyes’ side remain in contention for a Champions League spot they have picked up just one point from a possible nine.

It is a record which matches the Rams’ return from their last three games and Jones believes his team can take heart from their recent displays.

“Maybe we are catching them at the right time,” he said.

“We have had a bit of form in the last three games against Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Fulham so hopefully we can build on those performances and pick up a point, or even three points, because we believe on our day we can put in a decent performance.”

With their fate already sealed and any pressure now off, Jones hopes the Rams can enjoy the remainder of the season and surprise a few people.

He added: “You have to treasure these moments playing against these teams - next season we won’t be doing that.

“Hopefully we can bounce back and play against these teams and give a better account of ourselves.

“On a personal note I’ve been injured so these last six games are vital for me to try to get a run in the side and keep playing.

“There’s definitely been no doom and gloom. I suppose now it’s definitely confirmed there has been a weight off our shoulders.”