The year 2019 has been a whirlwind one for young Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.
After helping the Rams' Under-18s become Premier League National Champions back in May, his career has kicked on considerably.
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was named on the first-team substitutes bench for the first time in the play-off semi final second leg win over Leeds United, whilst he was also an unused substitute in the Play-Off Final against Aston Villa.
Over the summer, the Irishman was part of Phillip Cocu’s pre-season plans, travelling to Florida and playing in a number of friendly fixtures.
He was handed his debut by the manager on the opening day of the season as he came on as a late substitute in the 2-1 win over Huddersfield Town and his full league bow followed soon afterwards.
Fast forward to Christmas and the youngster has made 12 appearances, including four starts, and he is enjoying every second of it.
“You don’t have too much time to look back, but it has been a great year for me personally,” he told RamsTV. “Being around the first team the end of last season and the start of this season has been a great chance for me.
“Wembley was a fantastic experience. Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted, but me being on the bench there was a great experience, it was brilliant.
“I have played for the Ireland Under-21s a few times too this season so it is great progress for myself and hopefully I can do more in the New Year.”
It is certainly going to be a different Christmas for Knight, who is used to going back home over the festive period.
“It is my first time as a professional through the Christmas period so it is going to be a busy period, but exciting for us,” he said.
“When you are back home you are always watching the football over the Christmas time and it is always something you want to be doing as a young boy and now I am doing it.
“Normally it would be a lot of sitting about, eating a lot of food so it is quite the change from that this year, but a good change.”
The Rams face a trip to the Madejski Stadium on Saturday to take on Reading looking to turn around a run of form which hasn’t seen them win on the road since the opening day of the season in the league.
Knight has started Derby’s last two fixtures and has confidence going into the game against the Royals.
“It is an important game for both teams and one we are trying to do well in to go and get a good result away from home which has been a bit of a hard battle for us so far,” he commented.
“We are going to do our best out there and hopefully get a good result.”