League One ones to watch

By Jonathan Stevenson

The race for The Championship begins in earnest on 5 August with several clubs hopeful of gaining a place in English football's second tier.

Millwall, Crewe and Brighton will be hoping to bounce straight back while Nottingham Forest and Bristol City will want to cash in on superb finishes in League One last season.

BBC Sport checks out six youngsters who could set the division alight this time around.

JULIAN BENNETT (Nottingham Forest)

Having been released by his hometown team as a youngster, Julian Bennett sealed a dream move back to Nottingham Forest in January from Walsall.

The 21-year-old left-back quickly became a fans' favourite as his arrival and the exit of former boss Gary Megson heralded a new dawn at the City Ground.

Bennett's rampaging runs down the left flank and no-nonsense tackling earned him the tag of the 'new Stuart Pearce'.

He also chipped in with two goals and looks a real threat from set-pieces.

LUKE CHAMBERS (Northampton)

Chambers has already played over 100 games for the Cobblers

Chambers is a product of Northampton's academy and was a key figure in their promotion to League One last term.

The 20-year-old centre-half produced some commanding displays as Colin Calderwood's side finished second.

He was linked with a move to Forest when Calderwood left but instead signed a new two-year deal.

Chambers' influence will be crucial if the Cobblers are to stay up.

DEAN McDONALD (Gillingham)

The 19-year-old began his career at Arsenal before joining Ipswich and moving on to Gillingham in the summer.

His first-team chances have so far been limited, but the pacy striker showed his potential with a successful loan spell at Hartlepool last year where he scored the winner against Bournemouth.

McDonald was released by ex-Ipswich boss Joe Royle due to their plentiful attacking options, a move Gillingham should be grateful for.

Should benefit from a fine pre-season at the Priestfield Stadium.

FILIPE MORAIS (Millwall)

Morais was Nigel Spackman's fourth signing of the summer

The 20-year-old winger has left Chelsea's reserves for a shot at first-team action with Millwall in League One.

Morais, a Portuguese Under-21 international, spent four years at Stamford Bridge without ever making a first-team appearance.

But a 13-game spell on loan at struggling MK Dons last season showcased his quality and persuaded Nigel Spackman to take him to The Den.

Morais' lively pace and dribbling could prove a handful for defences at this level.

JAMES O'CONNOR (Doncaster)

O'Connor's stint at Bournemouth lasted just one season with the Cherries unable to turn down Doncaster's £130,000 summer offer for the defender.

A 21-year-old who can play at anywhere at the back, O'Connor is quick and dependable and can also get forward down the flank to provide crosses.

His best position is right-back and O'Connor could prove an invaulable acquisition as Dave Penney aims to get Doncaster into the Championship.

O'Connor started his career with Aston Villa but never played a first-team game.

COLIN-KAZIM RICHARDS (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Kazim-Richards started his career with League Two side Bury

Brighton manager Mark McGhee splashed out a six-figure sum on the striker last summer, but Kazim-Richards could not prevent their relegation.

Playing in a team devoid of confidence and creativity it was something of an achievement for the 19-year-old to score six times from his 25 starts.

Kazim-Richards showed great promise and an effort against Crewe in February was Brighton's 5000th league goal.

McGhee will want him to lead their charge back into The Championship.