Kasey Palmer spoke of how he thrived off ‘the best atmosphere’ he has played in since joining Derby County on loan to make a positive impact in Sunday’s East Midlands derby draw with Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old creative midfielder, who joined on a temporary spell from reigning Premier League champions Chelsea in January, came on in the second half to add a different dimension to the Rams’ attack.
Gary Rowett, the Derby manager, explained to RamsTV that Palmer was the Rams’ ‘gamble’ and he was full of praise for the performance he produced in his 30-minute cameo.
“Coming on off the substitutes bench into an atmosphere like that, I just wanted to get on the ball and express myself,” Palmer said.
“I thought I did that. I just tried to be positive and bring a bit of energy to the game. With Tom (Huddlestone) getting sent off, that changed the dynamic of the game and at that point it was just about us sitting in and being difficult to break down.
“Both teams went at it for the 90 minutes. It’s a derby; it’s a big game and the fans just love it. It’s down to us to reflect their feelings when we get out on the pitch.
“It’s one of the best atmospheres that I have played in, especially since I have come to Derby. Our fans were loud and right at it from the first minute before the game. I knew just how big a game it was.”
Assessing the whole game, Palmer felt Derby’s performance deserved more than a single point in the goalless draw at the City Ground.
David Nugent and Tom Lawrence had the Rams’ best chances of the afternoon, but were denied by Costel Pantilimon on the stroke of half-time.
That aside, Palmer feels Rowett’s men have a big platform to build upon when they face promotion-chasing Cardiff City at Pride Park Stadium this coming Sunday, kick-off: 12pm.
“It was feisty,” he added. “From the minute that we got into the ground to the final minute it was feisty, but it was really good to be part of.
“We should have got the win so hopefully we can take this forward into next week’s game. We had the better of the chances, but things just didn’t fall for us with certain opportunities, but we will keep going.
“Now we just have to get back to the training ground and work hard and let’s just see what next week brings.
“We need the win, but they (Cardiff) will come wanting to win too so I’m only anticipating a good game.”