Shay Given believes new recruit David Marshall will bring a calming influence to Derby County’s goalkeeping department.


The 35-year-old Scotland international goalkeeper joined the Rams on a two-year contract from Wigan Athletic last week.

Marshall boasts well over 500 appearances in club football to his name as well as 33 caps for his country.

The former Celtic goalkeeper has played most of his career in the Championship, although he has two seasons in the Premier League to his CV.

His consistent displays and Wigan’s relegation, after entering administration towards the end of the 2019/20 season, attracted interest in his signature - but Marshall opted to move to Pride Park Stadium as the next chapter in his career.

Given, Derby’s Head Goalkeeping Coach since the summer of 2018, is convinced the experienced goalkeeper is a welcome addition to the squad.

Marshall will compete with Kelle Roos and Henrich Ravas to be part of manager Phillip Cocu’s side and Given says he has quickly settled into life with the Rams.


Speaking to RamsTV, Given said: “David is going to bring strength and a calming influence to the goalkeeping department; he is experienced and has played nearly 600 games.

“He was one of Wigan’s best players in the Championship last year and he knows the division.

“He has settled in over the last couple of days and he knows a few of the players and I am looking forward to working with him.

“It’s another individual to push for a place in the team alongside Kelle Roos and Henrich Ravas; Ben Hamer has returned to Huddersfield and Jonathan Mitchell has gone out on loan to Northampton on loan.”

He added: “My job is to get the best out of the goalkeepers and the manager then has to decide which one to go with as the best option.”

Given believes Marshall should be judged by his performances on the pitch rather than his age.

He is convinced the Rams’ newest addition is at a good age for his position in the side and also believes his experience and understanding of the Championship will also be key.

Given said: “For me personally, I can look back to when I was 35 and I felt great.

“I had joined Manchester City at the age of 33 and in goalkeeping terms 35 is still young and I think it’s a good age.

“He has signed for two years but I am sure he has ambitions to play longer and into his 40s.”

He added: “As I said before, David knows the league. He knows what he is coming in to and I think that is important.”

Marshall played his first minutes in a Derby shirt on Saturday in the 0-0 friendly draw against Doncaster Rovers at Moor Farm, getting 45 minutes under his belt against the Sky Bet League 1 side.