New signing Conor Sammon says he cannot wait to get his Derby County career underway, after the 25-year-old agreed terms on a four-year deal with the Rams earlier today.
Sammon was in attendance at Pride Park Stadium at the weekend to watch the Rams’ 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday, before becoming manager Nigel Clough’s seventh summer-signing.
The ink was barely dry on the former Wigan Athletic striker’s contract when Sammon was introduced to the local media, and the former Kilmarnock forward admitted he already had his eyes firmly on Tuesday night’s encounter at Bolton Wanderers – should he be available for selection.
He told Rams Player: “I am absolutely delighted to be here and I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I want to help the team do well this season, and I have already set my sights on tomorrow night’s game.
“Bolton will be a good test for the side, but obviously players relish playing against big teams and playing in big stadiums and there is no better way to start the season than to test yourself against some of the biggest teams in the league.
“When you look at the Championship fixtures on your phone, there always seems to be games; Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday. The games come thick and fast and that is something I am really looking forward to, testing myself with physical demands - roll on the games!”
Sammon’s move to Pride Park puts an end to the Irish forward’s 18-month stint with Premier League side Wigan Athletic and the 25-year-old says his time with Roberto Martinez and the Latics helped aid his development as a striker.
He added: “There were lots of positives that I would take from my time there. Playing in the Premier League was a fantastic experience, I learnt a lot during my time at Wigan.
“I have got a lot of time for Roberto Martinez and the rest of the staff at Wigan, they looked after me and gave me a great opportunity to test myself against the best teams and best defenders.
“I look back on my time there with lots of good memories and ultimately I have had a great experience of the Premier League.
“But now is the time to use everything I have learnt, here at Derby County. I am really looking forward to my new challenge, to meet the lads and playing in front of the home supporters.”
Watch the full interview with new signing Conor Sammon exclusively on Rams Player.