Derby County defender Jake Rooney is feeling refreshed and looking forward to Sunday's Emirates FA Cup Second Round clash at Newport County (3:15pm kick-off).
It will have been over a week since the Rams last suited up when they travel to the Sky Bet League Two outfit and Rooney is confident that the break has got everyone feeling ready to go again.
The young centre-half sat down with RamsTV to preview the trip to Wales to face Newport.
On the recent Anfield experience as a Liverpool lad...
It was amazing. I think I had about 4,000 people in the stands to be fair! It was a special moment especially being an Evertonian so it was great to get on.
I've been to Anfield plenty of times but I've never actually got to play in a proper game, so it was class.
My family is massive. My Dad's side are all Evertonians and my Mum's side are all Liverpool, so I had everyone everywhere.
On his first league start at MK Dons...
On the day before the game, we had a bit of shape and I was in and out of the starting team but it wasn't until the morning of the game when I found out I was getting the start.
I told my Dad there would be a chance that I was starting so he set off to Milton Keynes and told me to let him know if I wasn't so he could turn around as I have four younger brothers that were playing back home too.
On the influence of his family...
They've been massive to my journey. We're a big family and they've done so much for us all, getting us everywhere over the years.
My Dad is really honest with me; he tells me if I've played well or if I've played bad. He just wants the best for me so it's good to hear it from him.
On whether Derby County has met his expectations...
Yes, definitely. I back myself being very confident and I knew I had a big chance coming here with the first team. I feel I've taken my chance at the start and I just want to crack on and keep doing it.
On Newport County in the FA Cup this weekend...
Everyone looks good and we're ready to go. The little break has done us the world of good so hopefully we can go into the game Sunday nice and strong and get a good performance.
I'm hoping we can get a big win; a nice performance first and foremost. It will be a tricky game but hopefully we can get the job done.
