3/1 To Win
Johnny Russell says he’s happy to be in goalscoring form - and he’s determined to keep the goals coming.
Johnny Russell says he’s happy to be in goalscoring form - and he’s determined to keep the goals coming.
The 25-year-old forward has scored in each of Derby’s last two games, helping Paul Clement’s side to 1-1 draws against Middlesbrough and Birmingham City.
Russell found the net four times during pre-season and stated at that time that he was determined to consistently add goals to his game, after scoring eight times last season.
He now has his sights on scoring for the third game in a row for the first time in a Derby shirt, when Leeds United head to town on Saturday (29th August, 12:05pm).
The Scotsman has also revealed his desire to help the Rams to a first league win of the season against the Whites, after starting the campaign with four successive draws.
Russell told Rams Player HD: “I scored a few goals during pre-season and I said at the time it was important I took that form into the games that mattered.
“I felt, last year, that it was an area that I was lacking in so it’s been a good start for me so far.
“It’s also good that I’ve managed to get a few goals early, it’s nice to get off the mark quickly because there’s no better feeling than scoring.
“I’m thankful it’s helped the team get a few points as well because it would’ve been poor on the lads if we didn’t get anything from the games.”
He added: “I want to keep the goals coming now I’ve got some momentum.
“I hope I can get another one on Saturday and help us to our first three points as well, that would be perfect.”
Russell’s fine form for Derby led to a call-up to the Scotland international squad earlier this week.
Gordon Strachan’s side face Georgia and Germany in their latest 2016 European Championships qualifiers.
Currently third in their qualifying group, Russell believes Scotland have a good chance of reaching the finals in France next summer.
He said: “I’m really happy that I’ve been called up again, there’s no better honour than representing your country.
“We’re well placed in the qualifying group and it’s exciting for the country because we’ve not been part of a major tournament for a while.
“It would be brilliant to be part of the squad that gets to a major tournament.”
