Curtis Davies spoke glowingly about the performance of midfielder Graeme Shinnie following Derby County's home game against Luton Town on Saturday.
Shinnie starred in the 2-0 win over the Hatters at Pride Park Stadium this weekend.
The 28-year-old has had to remain patient for his chance in the side following his summer move from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen.
Shinnie was handed his first league start of the campaign by manager Phillip Cocu at the weekend and the Scotland international produced in a Man of the Match display against Graeme Jones’ side.
And Davies, who himself has had to wait patiently for his opportunity this term, spoke about the impact Shinnie had on the side.
“He is tenacious,” Davies told RamsTV. “He is only small; but he is not scared of anyone. He is willing in terms of attacking the ball.
“He wants to get on the ball, help his teammates and he will get about the pitch, so I think he is going to be really important.
“The Luton side is full of energy, full of players running forward and I think he was key stopping them break through us.
“His energy across that midfield from side to side stopped them picking us open.”
The impact of both Shinnie and Davies has displayed the options Cocu has at his disposal.
The pair, along with Chris Martin and Jamie Paterson, have impressed on their arrivals into the squad and it has added extra healthy competition to the team.
And it’s something Davies thinks will be key going into the busy schedule coming up over the next few months.
“We train hard every day,” Davies said. “All of us have been training with the first team. We haven’t missed sessions so it’s just about getting that chance and taking it.
“We got our chance in the games where there was a three-game week and it’s about how your body reacts. We have managed the game and showed our experience.
“Each person, be it on the pitch, on the bench or in the stands, will be important for us because once we get past this next international break, the November one, then we go into a Christmas run where games come thick and fast more than any time of the season.
“It’s going to be all hands on deck to make sure we’re ready for it.”