3/1 To Win
Mason Bennett admits the 2017/18 season is a big one for him – and he says he’s determined to make his mark.
The forward and Academy graduate has made 36 first-team appearances for the Rams, of which four have been starts, and scored twice.
After years as being known as one for the future, Bennett admits now is the time to shake off the prospect tag and make a name for himself.
He told RamsTV: “I can’t believe I am 21 to be honest; it seems like yesterday that I was at Middlesbrough making my debut.
“It’s time for me to show what I can do for the season ahead now.
“All I can do is work hard and give a hundred per cent for the team, going forward and backwards, both in training and games.
“I am fed up of being known as the prospect. I am a pro now and it’s time for me to go and show what I can do.”
After spending time out on loan at a handful of clubs and also reverting back to Derby’s Under-23s, where he starred last season, Bennett feels he’s better prepared to make an impact at first-team level.
He was told before going away for the summer that he would be part of Gary Rowett’s squad during pre-season.
That alone gave him extra motivation to ensure he was in tip-top condition from a fitness perspective.
He has earned praise from Rowett as a result and also produced some impressive pre-season displays.
On top of that, he managed to get on the scoresheet in the 2-0 friendly win at Macclesfield Town recently to mark his 21st birthday in style.
He said: “Pre-season has been tough but I was ready for it.
“I did a lot of extra sessions in the off-season and it’s time for me to kick on now.
“I feel it’s a big year for me. I had talks before we went away in the summer and I was told I’d be with the first team.
“I always had it in the back of my mind in the summer while I was away; so it gave me motivation to get all my fitness work done.
“I feel so much better for it and I feel I have hit the ground running.”
