Bird Aligns His First Team Aim After Signing First Professional Contract

Last week he made his first team debut in the Carabao Cup Second Round match against Barnsley and this week he signed his first professional contract; what a week it has been for Max Bird.

After turning 17 at the start of this week, Bird put-to-paper on his first contract to commit three more years to Derby County.

And in that time, the midfielder says that the goal for him is simple, to establish himself as a regular first team player.

Speaking exclusively to RamsTV to offer his thoughts on his new contract, the midfielder said: “I’m over the moon with it.

“The contract shows that the hard work does pay off. I’ve had a taster now and I just want some more first team action.

“I have one aim in my next three years and that is to become a regular in the first team.

Obviously, I’d like a couple more appearances this season if I can, but really the hard work starts now.

“You have to think like that. I’ve got my first professional contracts but I need to kick on again and keep my standards, then hopefully everything will take care of itself.”

From the highs of playing in front of thousands of supporters last week, it was straight back down to earth for Bird on his birthday as Darren Wassall slotted him into Under-23 affairs for their fixture against reigning Premier League 2 Division 1 champions Everton.

And although, by Bird’s own admittance there is nothing like first-team football, the talented prospect spoke of the importance of performing to your highest level at every opportunity – no matter the stage.

Bird went on to say: “No matter what level you are playing at, it’s all about playing your natural game and in the Barnsley game I tried to play how I usually would, and it was the same against Everton on Monday.

“You have to keep your head and down and stay grounded and that’s what I always try to do.

“Hopefully my next appearance will come sooner rather than later as I’ve got a real taste for it now.

“I want to have an influence in the team and push for league appearances as well, that’s the next step for me.”