3/1 To Win
Midfielder Graeme Shinnie was keen to repay the faith shown in him by Derby County manager Phillip Cocu on Staurday afternoon.
The Scottish international midfielder has had to bide his time following his free transfer move from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen in the summer.
He has trained regularly, played in Under-23 fixtures when needed and was eventually handed his first league start by the manager against Luton Town, who his brother Andrew plays for, yesterday.
The 28-year-old impressed the Pride Park Stadium audience with his astute play, breaking up the game and his tenacious tackling which got the crowd going.
His Man of the Match display in the 2-0 win over the Hatters was fine reward for having to bide his time, and he recalls a conversation he had with the manager in the weeks leading up to the game.
“I just wanted to go and see him and him thinking that I was happy for where I was at,” he told RamsTV.
“I didn’t want to sit and relax, I just wanted him to know that I was eager to try and get out on the pitch and help the team, manager and staff here.
“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do so he gave me a few pointers on what I had to work on.
“I kept my head down and worked as hard as I can and he gave me my opportunity which I’m delighted with.”
After a game like that, many players just want to get back out there to continue the form they have built up.
However, Shinnie will have to wait two weeks until after the international break to make another impact.
“I can’t believe it,” he explained. “I am desperate for another game, even a midweek game.
“I’m just desperate to get back out but the way my legs are feeling then I think I need a week off. I thoroughly enjoyed today.
“The crowd were brilliant, the fans were helping us through and all round it was just a good day.
“For me, the break is about working again. There is no game next week so I will have day off tomorrow and get back in training in the gym.
“Next weekend I’ll spend some time with the family and then get back to it and look towards the next game.”
