Derby County’s newest signing Ravel Morrison introduced himself to supporters immediately with a splendid strike on Tuesday night as the Rams beat Sky Bet League Two side Salford City in Round One of the Carabao Cup.
The 28-year-old, who signed for Derby last weekend, saw his initial free kick smash against the wall but from the rebound, he cut across the ball and volleyed into the top corner from 20 yards out to make it 3-3 and equalise for the second time on the night for Wayne Rooney’s side.
The Rams, who had been 2-0 and 3-2 behind, fought back bravely with an inexperienced line up to win via penalty kicks with plenty of youngsters taking the opportunity to impress.
Morrison, who was one of only three players over the age of 23 on Tuesday night, was pleased to get off to a good start on his debut.
“It was a good win for us,” he told RamsTV. “I think the young lads showed good character and it was a good team performance. We went down 2-0 but we kept our heads and did well.
“It was my mum’s birthday on Tuesday as well, so to win and score made it more special.”
Morrison, who started his career at Manchester United, has been training with the Rams throughout the summer and was signed an hour before the season opener against Huddersfield Town.
He couldn’t feature in the Sky Bet Championship fixture, but he is looking forward to playing under manager Rooney, who he is more than familiar with following their time at Old Trafford together.
“I know a few of the lads down here, and the manager as well,” he said. “Working with Wayne, you’re not going to turn that down, and I believe that he can help me go to the next level and get my career back on track.
“We had a few offers but it was more international and abroad. A few popped up in England but I came here in pre-season and enjoyed it. I just wanted to come here, play games and enjoy my football again; that’s the main thing.”
Morrison is in line to make his league debut for the Rams on Saturday as Derby travel to Peterborough United in the lunchtime kick off (12:30pm kick off).
Whilst Derby kicked off their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield, as well as the penalty shoot-out victory over Salford in the Carabao Cup, Peterborough have struggled in their opening two games.
After losing 3-0 on the opening day against Luton Town, they were beaten 4-0 on home turf by Sky Bet League One side Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night, but Morrison knows Derby need to be at their best to get a positive result on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a difficult game,” he admitted. “You can’t go there underestimating anyone but if we play how we can play then I think we can challenge most teams in this league.”
