Pre-Match Thoughts: Springett Feeling Positive After First Start At Oxford

Derby County's on-loan winger Tony Springett was delighted to get his first start in a Rams shirt during the 3-2 win at Oxford United in Sky Bet League One last weekend - and he is hoping that it's the first of many between now and the end of the season.

The 20-year-old joined the Rams on loan from Championship side Norwich City in January and although he's been involved in every matchday squad to date, last Saturday's trip to the Kassam Stadium brought with it his first start for the club.

Speaking to RamsTV in the build-up to the visit of Fleetwood Town to Pride Park Stadium on Saturday, Springett reflected on the win at Oxford and gave his thoughts on the 'full fat can of Coke' description that he's been handed by Head Coach Paul Warne.

On Oxford United reflection...

First of all, I was very happy to get my first start. I've been here since January now and I feel like that's kind of what I was working towards. My opportunity finally came against Oxford and I was happy with my performance in the game.

It was one of those games where the pitch was difficult and we just had to match Oxford or be better. If we didn't do that then the result could have gone the other way.

I feel like the togetherness of the team overall on the day was so much better. We outworked them, dug deep and it was a good weekend in the end.

On what Paul Warne had asked the side to do...

The message was to leave everything out there and before the game we had to write a name on a bit of paper about who we were 'doing it for'. He wanted us to go out there and think of that person and the way we perform, the energy we want to give off is for that person and to make them proud.

On Paul Warne's description of him...

I can't say I've ever heard anyone called a full fat can of Coke but I think it was quite nice really. I do like a can of Coke myself, obviously when I'm allowed, but it made me chuckle and I appreciate it.

On what it's been like waiting for a first start...

There's always that sense of frustration when you're not starting but to go from what my situation was at Norwich to what I came to here, I couldn't complain. It's not like Paul Warne wasn't completely honest with me when I first came here, I knew what I was getting myself into so it would have been quite selfish of me to be really frustrated. My opportunity did come in the end though and I like to think that I took it.

On hoping to get a first start at Pride Park this weekend...

I hope so but at the same time, the gaffer has his thoughts and the team he thinks would be best to play so whatever he goes for - hopefully that includes me - we'll have to see.

On the group's mindset at the moment...

Everybody is still 100% that we want to get promoted this season. A couple of weeks ago it was all about the top two but the way the results have gone, it has seen that slip a bit. Whether it's through the play-offs or the automatic spots, that's our main goal and we all think it's greatly achievable.