Happy Hog

Left-back delighted after making first ever senior start.

Michael Hoganson admits he loved every minute of his first start in a Derby County shirt, as the 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the Rams’ 0-0 stalemate with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The former Newcastle United defender started in place of the suspended Gareth Roberts at left-back, having previously made his debut as a late substitute in Derby’s 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough in January.
Hoganson has featured heavily in the Rams’ newly formed Under-21s’ side this season, and having demonstrated promise in his first senior start, the full-back says he hopes his performance has enhanced his credentials.
He told Rams Player:“I was nervous to begin with, but once I got the first few touches and passes out of the way, I thought I relaxed and eased myself into the game.
“The nerves went away after about 10 minutes, but every so often I would look over to the bench just to get a few reassurances. 
"I was concerned that fitness might be an issue; I have never played 90 minutes at this level before. I am not going to lie, at one point I was looking at the clock expecting there to be five minutes left and there was still half-an-hour.
“This was the biggest game of my career; I had goosebumps all over my body when I walked out to see all the supporters, and like I said, I had a few nerves, but once I got the ball down and got on with it, I concentrated on my football.
“The clean-sheet is huge for me, as a defender that is exactly what you want and it came in a game where we were up against a tough, ex-Premier League team."
Meanwhile, Hoganson was keen to talk of his admiration for fellow left-back Gareth Roberts, and praised the experienced defender after he shared some inside knowledge prior to kick-off against Wolves.
He added: “It is a huge help when you have got the skipper (Richard Keogh) alongside you, as well as someone like Bray.
"Robbo came into the dressing room before the game too which helped me out a lot. He gave me a heads up on who I was up against, so I knew how he was going to play before I got on the pitch.
"When you watch Robbo in training, he never seems to have a dodgy session or a bad game. He is 35 now and if I can get anywhere near that career; playing week-in-week-out at Championship level, you cannot really ask for more."
Watch the full post-match interview with Michael Hoganson exclusively on Rams Player.