It’s been three years since Jason Knight burst on to the scene for Derby County.
The midfielder, who has operated at right back in recent weeks, made his debut for the Rams in a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on the opening day of the 2019/20 campaign, coming off the bench in the final few minutes to see the victory out at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Since then, the Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a whirlwind start to his professional career. He scored his first senior goals, ironically against this weekend’s opponents Charlton Athletic, in December 2019 whilst he’s also gone on to make over 100 appearances for the Rams.
RamsTV caught up with the Irishman about his memories of the two occasions, as well as talking about the new faces in the Rams’ in the squad and his expectations ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash against the Addicks.
On His Debut Against Huddersfield Three Years Ago…
I still remember it vividly. It was Huddersfield away on the first game of the season and I think I came on for the last two minutes or so. It was a great result as well from what I remember. It has been a whirlwind of a three years. It’s been great; a lot of ups and downs obviously but for me personally, I’ve played a lot of football and I’ve improved as a person and a footballer as well so it’s been a good start to my career. I don’t really reflect on the last three years until someone asks me the question, you don’t really have time to but it’s been good. It’s something I’m constantly trying to improve on.
On The Takeover…
It’s great that it got over the line last month and had been a long time coming. There have been struggles for everyone associated with the club in the last year but it’s great that we’ve got the takeover completed and we can take ourselves off the canvas and start moving forward. It’s great for the club and community and for the fans also.
On The Dressing Room…
A lot of quality has been added to the squad. We have started the season well and it’s looking good for the season. I know a couple of the lads from Ireland and from playing against them throughout the years so it’s been a good start and some excellent players have come through the building.
I talked to a few of them after being away in the summer but it’s been great to get Conor Hourihane, James Collins and David McGoldrick into the building. Hopefully they can help us progress this season.
On His First Senior Goals Against Charlton In 2019…
I remember the goals well. I haven’t got too many so I need to get that tally up as well. I remember it well; it was a cold night in December at Pride Park. I got a kick in the head from the first goal but it was a great night.
On This Weekend’s Game…
The away form is something we need to improve and going away to Charlton will be a tough game. We know they will have good threats going forward so us as a collective need to make sure we keep another clean sheet; that’s important. We need to get a good result because we need to make sure that our away form is better this season.
