Young striker Dajaune Brown says he’s relishing the battle for opportunities in Derby County's first team after putting pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep him at Pride Park Stadium until the summer of 2027.
Brown has made inroads into Paul Warne’s first team in the last year, training with the squad over the past two pre-seasons and making eight senior appearances over that time.
The 18-year-old striker, who was previously a regular in the Under-18 and Under-21 squads, impressed out on loan with National League side Gateshead in the 2023/24 season as he scored 10 goals in 22 appearances.
Academy graduate Brown caught up with RamsTV after signing on the dotted line to commit his future to Derby.
On putting pen to paper on a new deal…
It's a great feeling to finally have it done. It's been in the works for a little while and whilst it's been in the works, I've been putting in the work as well. I have been trying to prove myself and just really do people proud.
On the importance of his family in getting him to where he is today…
They've been massive for me. My dad got me into football at a young age and my family have really helped me, taking me to games and training up and down the country. It's a great feeling to do them proud. Dad has always been more critical, coming up with constructive criticism after games. My mum was more of a 'good cop', so she would just give me that confidence boost. I think it's a good mix to have and that is what has got me where I am today.
On his progress over the past year…
In an interview last year, I said what I was trying to improve so there was a variety to my game as a striker. If I look back to last year's pre-season, I was more of a hold-up striker. I still have that aspect of my game but I'm more capable of running in behind and having that variety in my game. I think that's been the main improvement that I've had in the last year.
On the importance of his time on loan with Gateshead in the National League…
Honestly, it boosted my confidence going away to Gateshead. I was quite nervous, not knowing what to expect - with it being my first loan - but it really improved my performance so when I came back here, I was full of confidence and ready to showcase what I could do. I need to just to keep pushing really and try to get in around the starting line-up and get more minutes under my belt. When my opportunity does come, I've got to be capable of taking it.