Jason Knight said he would love to see his name on the team sheet against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night,
It has been a huge few months for the 18-year-old midfielder who went from winning the Under-18s National Title and being on the bench in the Play-Off final at Wembley in May, to making his full Sky Bet Championship debut at the weekend against West Bromwich Albion.
So far this season, despite the campaign being only being a few weeks old, Knight has made his senior debut, full debut and most recently his Championship debut as he continues to impress manager Phillip Cocu.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with the Baggies on Saturday, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international said: “It was fantastic. To see my name on the team sheet just before kick-off was really exciting and I was really ready to go.
“It was really hot, but it was a good day for a game. When you get out there it is just like any other and you just have to treat it that way.
“It is a different story when you come out at this great stadium, full of fans. It was a really good occasion for me.”
Now, with four first-team appearances under his belt, the Derby academy product is eager to try and build on the strong start he has had.
His next opportunity could be a feisty test as the Rams make the short trip across the East Midlands to face Forest in the second round of the Carabao Cup in Tuesday night.
To be involved in a local derby game, so early in his senior career, is something Knight said he would relish.
He said: “Everyone is trying to keep their place in the squad, it doesn’t matter if you are young or old, you have been here for ages. Everyone wants to keep their shirts and that is what I am trying to do.
“The game against Forest is going to be another good game and another good test against a strong team. We feel if we keep playing and producing what we are trying to do then we will get more wins and more goals.
“I’d love to play and show what I can do there as well. It is a huge game for the club, not only us but the fans too. It is important that we go there and show what we can do.
“If my name is on the team sheet I will be over the moon and ready to do my bit for the team.”