Speaking to the club’s official website, Derby County defender Curtis Davies has heaped praise on Graeme Shinnie, after he put in a man of the match performance on his Championship debut at the weekend.
Graeme Shinnie has had to wait for his chance this season having been signed under previous manager Frank Lampard, with his Championship debut coming this weekend. And, it was well worth the wait, as he put in a man of the match performance against Luton Town, helping the Rams to a 2-0 win.
Davies said that he played an important role in stopping Luton put their game plan into practice, saying:
“He is tenacious. He is only small; but he is not scared of anyone. He is willing in terms of attacking the ball. He wants to get on the ball, help his teammates and he will get about the pitch, so I think he is going to be really important.
“The Luton side is full of energy, full of players running forward and I think he was key stopping them break through us. His energy across that midfield from side to side stopped them picking us open.”
Davies – who has come into the backline as captain since the season-ending injury to Richard Keogh – went on to add that competition is key, adding that the depth in Philip Cocu’s squad will only help the players push on.
“We train hard every day.All of us have been training with the first team. We haven’t missed sessions so it’s just about getting that chance and taking it.
“We got our chance in the games where there was a three-game week and it’s about how your body reacts. We have managed the game and showed our experience.
“Each person, be it on the pitch, on the bench or in the stands, will be important for us because once we get past this next international break, the November one, then we go into a Christmas run where games come thick and fast more than any time of the season. It’s going to be all hands on deck to make sure we’re ready for it.”
