Derby County’s England Under-21 international goalkeeper Jonathan Mitchell has today put pen-to-paper on a new contract.
The 22-year-old has signed a fresh four-year deal which will run until the summer of 2021 – further highlighting how highly the club rate the shot-stopper.
Since signing from Newcastle United in the summer of 2014, Mitchell has progressed year on year to cement his position as Scott Carson’s main challenger to be the Rams’ number one goalkeeper.
He made his debut in January 2016 – against hometown club Hartlepool United in the Emirates FA Cup – and impressed in the cup competitions last season with his showings against Premier League opposition in Liverpool and Leicester City.
Mitchell’s progress has also been recognised on the international stage and he was part of the England Under-21 squad for this summer’s UEFA U21 European Championships.
Gary Rowett, the Derby manager, has backed the goalkeeper to push Carson all the way for a starting role this campaign.
The 43-year-old also revealed in an interview with RamsTV that there had been a number of enquiries from clubs to take Mitchell on loan for the upcoming season.
Rowett said: “It’s really pleasing news for the club. Any younger players that we see as part of our future we want to ensure that we, and they, have that security to try and develop.
“We have had a lot of enquiries about Johnny Mitchell this summer – one from a Championship club and a couple from League 1 clubs.
“His part in the England set-up this summer created a little bit of that, but we want him to be pushing Scott Carson incredibly hard for that number one jersey.
“We want him to be showing what he can do, and that potential, when he gets opportunities. We really believe in him as a ‘keeper and we’re pleased with him. He’s a big part of our future.
“His focus should really be on getting into the team and trying to dislodge Scott from that number one spot.
“He’s got some great attributes, he trains well every day and is a really good character to have around the place.”
Look out for full reaction on the news from Rowett, Jonathan Mitchell and Scott Carson on RamsTV shortly!