Hamer Determined To Keep His Place In Starting XI

Goalkeeper Ben Hamer made his second league start for Derby County against Blackburn Rovers yesterday and he is determined to keep his place in the side.

The shot-stopper made his first league start for the Rams in their 1-1 draw against Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park Stadium at the end of November, and he kept his place for yesterday’s 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

And Hamer, who is on loan from Huddersfield Town for the season, is eyeing an extended run in Phillip Cocu’s side after waiting patiently for his chance.

“I’ve been in the game a long time now; I’m 32 and when I was younger I didn’t take it so well but I realise that you need to be a positive influence on the team,” he told RamsTV. “There is no point moping around and being negative.

“Kelle Roos was playing for a reason and you have to accept that. You need to work hard, push each other on and the manager has now given me a chance to come in and I have to repay him.

“You have to be patient in my position because only one person can play in goal. I came in last week and it was nice to be back out on the pitch and it was the same again this week,”

He continued: “I haven’t played for a long time so you need to get your timings right, get your rhythm and get your flow.

“I did a few things where if I had played a few more games then it would have come more naturally but I’m trying to be confident, play on the front foot and that will only come with game time.

“Hopefully I can carry on and see what happens. I don’t put pressure on myself. I just try and be confident. I want to play as many games as I can and just try and do as well as I can.

“If I do well then I should keep my place. I don’t get involved in anything I don’t need to and I think that comes with experience.”