Callum's Been Having A Ball

Callum Ball has described his maiden full season with the Derby County first-team as a 'dream.'

The 19-year-old was handed a three-year professional deal with the Rams in the summer of 2011, after netting 21 goals for the under-18s in the 2010-11 season.

Ball made his first start of the campaign for Nigel Clough's side in the narrow defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road in December, a week on from netting his first-ever career goal at Pride Park in the Rams' 2-1 victory over Bristol City and he went on to enjoy an extended run in the side during Christmas and the New Year period.

Although an ankle injury sustained in a reserve defeat to Sheffield United curtailed the Academy graduate's season, Ball says the 2011-12 campaign was one to savour.

He said:"I really enjoyed it; last season has been a dream for me.

"I never expected I would get to this stage but now I am here, I am loving it.

"I made a few appearances off the bench last season, which whet my appetite, and in my first year as a professional I was expecting pretty much the same.

"I am learning every single day in training as well as every game I am involved in. I'm really chuffed with how things have worked out but I know there is plenty more to come and I have loads more to learn.

"I know there's no chance of me getting ahead of myself, especially with the players we have in the dressing room, because they ensure your feet are kept very much on the ground!

"We've got a very young squad and the best thing is quite a few of the youngsters have come through at the same time and it is great to be part of it all."

Ball finished the campaign with three goals to his name, and the 19-year-old was keen to pay tribute to Nigel Clough and the Rams' coaching staff who have helped aid his development since arriving at the club.

He added: "When I came back for pre-season I wasn't as fit as I should have been and I needed to be a little bit more aggressive in my play.

"The Gaffer urged me to do that, as well as improve in other areas, like my work rate, which I think I have done.

"I have matured as a player and I think my work ethic is much better as a result.

"The Gaffer and his coaching staff have put so much faith in me. They've been brilliant with me and really helped me improve as a player."