Curtis Davies is confident that his partnership with Phil Jagielka at the heart of Derby County’s defence is one that can go from strength to strength.
The duo have a combined age of 75 and well over 1,000 games in their professional careers to date, with a large number coming at the highest level.
Davies, who is 36, signed a new one-year contract with the club in early August while 39-year-old Jagielka, who has 40 England caps to his name, penned a short-term contract a fortnight ago.
They have started three successive games together and during that time kept two clean sheets, conceding just one goal.
It’s a foundation that offers plenty of encouragement for Wayne Rooney’s side to build on, particularly after being in a position where they conceded too many goals last season.
While many will point to the respective ages of the duo, Davies is convinced that their ability and desire to perform and defend remains as strong as ever.
“It’s been brilliant,” Davies told RamsTV. “Throughout pre-season we were getting the makings of a partnership together.
“Jags has been there and done it. He has played for many years in the Premier League and played numerous times for England.
“He is a very decorated player and has had a great career, but he hasn’t come here to wind down. He is 39 years old, but he’s still hungry. He is similar to myself, I’m a few years younger, but I’m not here to make up the numbers.
“I want to play and do my best for the team and I want to progress this football club.
“I’m glad that he’s on the same page and as much as people might say about the legs in our partnership, I think when you have an extra couple of yards in your head then that’s what that has given us that extra inch at the moment.”
Jagielka played alongside Rams boss Rooney for Everton and also on the international stage with England.
Davies believes his defensive partner provides plenty of experience off the pitch, as well as on it.
He said: “We have played against each other a lot and came around in the same era of football. But when he came in, it was as though I knew him already.
“He is a good guy, good for the dressing room, not only in his experience but his character and the way that he is with everyone, and he has added a lot to the group.”
