Tristan Nydam insists his best is still to come as the young midfielder reflects on his breakthrough season.

The Zimbabwe-born central midfielder burst onto the scene at the start of the campaign and has already hit his target of 10 first team starts this season, making his 11th at Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Nydam’s season has been disrupted by a hip injury, but the 18-year-old is pleased with what he has managed to achieve during a campaign in which he also signed a new deal to keep him at the club until 2021.

“I think I started well before the injury set me back a little bit but I think I’m getting to where I need to be again, getting my fitness back and I think it’s been an alright season for me,” he said.

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“My debut at Luton was great when the gaffer (Mick McCarthy) put me in there and I enjoyed that experience and then kick on from there.

“My target was 10 starts this season and I have a 11 now, although I thought I would get it in the latter end of the season so to get them at the start was surprising.

“There is a lot more to come from me and I think I could be more confident when I play – I’ve obviously been a bit nervous when I’ve played.

“But as I grow more comfortable in the Championship and get more used to it there is certainly more to come from me.

“The more I’ve played the more relaxed I have become and the less nervous I am, but with the game time that will carry on. When I get used to it I know what I can do, what I can’t do and become more mature.”

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Nydam could be involved again today as the Blues host Aston Villa in their penultimate home game of the season, with the youngster enjoying the experience of playing against big clubs in the Championship.

“They are in the play-offs, I think they are fourth, and they will still be giving it a right go,” Nydam said.

“I played at Elland Road (against Leeds) and it’s thrilling to hear the fans, a real good experience.

“It’s been tough and I think I’ve only completed one 90 minutes in the Championship so I need to get more durable, but I think with experience and age I will get that.”