Six Of The Best: English League One

Last month I looked at some of the best young players in English League Two, but what about those who are slightly further up the English Pyramid, just two divisions from the alleged 'promised land' of the Premier League?

Here are some of the stars of the future from League One:

Jason Scotland (Swansea City)

At 29 years old, Scotland may not be the most obvious choice for a future Premier League player, but anyone who has seen him play for Title chasing Swansea this season will no why. The burly Trinadadian striker, similar in build and style to international team-mate Kenwynne Jones of Sunderland, has 28 goals to his name this season, after scoring 33 goals in 66 games for St Johnstone in the Scottish League. With Swansea set for promotion to the Championship, expect him to earn more plaudits next season, with a move to the Premier League not an impossibility despite his age.

Jermaine Beckford (Leeds Utd)

Beckford has been sharing the limelight at the top of the League One scoring charts this season with the aforementioned Scotland. With 19 goals to his name, he is the new hero of fallen Leeds Utd, and while he may not have the big name of previous Leeds strikers, Robbie Keane, Mark Viduka or Robbie Fowler, that may change in the future. At 24 years old he has his best years ahead of him. Quick, strong, but with great technical ability, he scores all sorts of goals, and at 6ft 2 inches is a great size. Has already been linked with moves to the EPL, he will surely get there if he continues his progress.

Anthony Gerrard (Walsall)

He has a famous surname, but in the future it might be the cousin of Liverpool skipper Steven who is getting the plaudits. Released by Everton as a youngster he signed for Walsall and hasn't looked back. A tough tackling centre half who now has 100 league appearances to his name. Walsall were promoted last season and are enjoying a creditable first season back in League One, with Gerrard a key part of that rise. Came to Walsall with former Everton team-mate Daniel Fox, a player who has since moved on to Coventry and become an England U21 player. It might not be long before Gerrard follow suit.

Joe Garner (Carlisle United)

Carlisle look set to follow Swansea into the Championship this season, and young striker Joe Garner has been a big factor in their success. Signed from Blackburn for £150,000 after failing to make the breakthrough at Ewood Park, Garner has taken to League One football like a duck to water. Approaching just 20 years of age, he has netted 14 goals in 30 appearances this season, with injury disrupting his progress. If he continues to improve at his current rate, £150,000 will be money very well spent, and Blackburn might be wishing they had held on to him.

Sam Vokes (Bournemouth)

Bournemouth have endured something of a nightmare season, with administration making relegation from League One almost inevitable. One bright spot for them has been the form of some of their young players, and 18 year old striker Vokes has taken most of the headlines. Already averaging a goal every 3 games, despite a third of his appearances being as a substitute, Vokes has been heavily linked to Newcastle United, with a deal apparently agreed for the summer as Kevin Keegan looks to build for the future.

Julian Bennett (Nottingham Forest)

Commanding Left-Back who has put in a series of eye-catching displays this season as Forest have kept the most clean sheets in the division. Signed from Walsall when just 21, he immediately made the left back position his own, and now 23 he looks to have a good future in what is traditionally a 'problem' position in English football. Strong, quick, and a threat in the opposition box also with 7 goals in 70 appearances for Forest. Recently signed a new contract as Forest look to tie him down, they will have a fight on their hands though if he continues his steady rate of progress.

So there you have it, 6 names you will be hearing a lot more about in the near future. Next month I move on to the Championship and look at the players just a stones throw away from the big time.