Fresh from making his Sky Bet Championship debut for Derby County last weekend Kelle Roos believes he is growing in confidence - but knows the Rams side face a tricky FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
Roos starred in the Third Round replay victory over Southampton as he made a number of impressive stops in the 2-2 draw to take the game to penalties, which the Rams came out triumphant against their Premier League opponents.
That victory on the South Coast set up this weekend's trip to Accrington, who are mid-table in League 1.
Dutchman Roos made his Championship debut against Reading last weekend, with first-choice shot-stopper Scott Carson sidelined with a knee injury, and he again impressed as Frank Lampard’s side ran out 2-1 winners.
“You get thrown in as a number two sometimes and you have to be ready for anything that is coming,” Roos, 26, told RamsTV.
“I felt very confident against Southampton.
“I felt I was ready and then I had to back that up. I gave it my all and I think I made some good saves for the team and I am happy we came away with the result.
“I’ve had to be very patient, but it was a weird one because I felt quite comfortable at Pride Park Stadium already because I have played in few big cup games. It didn’t feel like a full league debut to me, but obviously to the stats it is. I was very happy to get it.”
Since signing for the club in 2014 from non-league Nuneaton, Roos has enjoyed several loan spells away from the club to gain first-team experience.
He featured for Rotherham United in the Championship before moving on loan to AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Port Vale.
Whilst with Wimbledon, he played against Saturday’s opponents Accrington Stanley in League 2 and he knows what to expect at the Wham Stadium.
He said: “I’ve been to Accrington a couple of times. Once in the league when I was on loan at Wimbledon and once in the play-offs.
“It’s a proper Football League stadium. There’s a good atmosphere and they are ready to rock, so we will have to be ready for anything that gets thrown at us because it will be nowhere near an easy game.”
The Rams will be backed by over 2,500 supporters at the Wham Stadium and Roos hopes the club can repay them with a place in the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup.
“I think its going to be very good for everyone willing to make the journey; that’s great,” Roos commented. “
"Hopefully they can make a nice atmosphere and we can do the rest on the pitch.”
