Midfielder believes Derby County has one of 'the most exciting squads' in the Championship.

John Eustace is of the belief that Derby County have one of the most exciting squads in the Championship.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who is in his second full season with the Rams, believes there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future at the iPro Stadium.

A number of Derby’s key players from their third-place finish in the 2013/14 campaign have penned new deals in recent months, including Eustace who signed a new one-year contract back in May.

Eustace has praised Derby’s board and management for keeping last season’s squad intact - as well as adding to the group - which he believes could be a key factor in the side’s quest for success this season.

He told Rams Player: “I think this squad is one of the most exciting in the Championship.


“The board and management have done fantastically well to get players on new contracts and keep the squad together.

“We’ve also seen a few new faces come through the door which is great as well.


“I am sure a lot of teams are looking at the players we have in the squad and seeing how we develop as a team.


“I think keeping the squad together, which did so well last year, will benefit us this season."


The 2014/15 campaign kicked off a month ago and Eustace says the Rams need to continue to be mentally strong.

He has also highlighted the value of the close-knit nature of the squad, as Derby aim to be amongst the promotion contenders.

Eustace said: “The season has come around so quickly given we had an extended end to last season.


“We had a tough pre-season and we need to be mentally strong during the season.


“It’s a squad game and we’re all like a big family here moving in the right direction.”


Eustace has started Derby's last two matches in the defensive midfield role, helping the side to a 5-1 win over Fulham and a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town. 

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