New signing Dwight Gayle is in line to make his Derby County debut on Saturday when they take on Barnsley in Sky Bet League One and it is a game he says is a 'six-pointer.'
Gayle signed for Derby on a deal until the end of the season, following his release from Championship club Stoke City last month, earlier this week and his first game in the black and white could come at Oakwell against of one of their top six rivals.
Speaking to RamsTV for the first time following his arrival, the striker spoke about his delight at joining the club and how he hopes his experience can prove vital in the remaining games of the season, starting with the trip to Barnsley.
On his first few days with Derby...
I'm loving it. The facilities here are amazing. All the boys have been very welcoming and I'm happy to be here.
On how his signing came about...
It was a quick one, really. With the injuries we've had, it was something that popped up for both parties. We were just happy to get it done and sorted. It took a little longer than we hoped, but we got there in the end.
On whether he needed much convincing about signing...
Not at all. It was top of my list when I left Stoke. When the phone call eventually came, it was something that I was really excited to do and get done.
On what the experience was like for him without a club...
It's an unusual one. I don't think you really understand it until you're in it, to be honest. I've had friends in similar situations, but it was really difficult. I love being involved in the dressing room, training and things like that so being at home on my own was very difficult. I couldn't wait to get back involved.
On how he's feeling fitness wise...
It's such a short period of time, I just want to get out there and help the team as much as I can.
On whether he knows any of the squad already...
I haven't played with any of them, but being in the game for a long period of time you come across a few faces so I know quite a few of them. I have quite a lot of mutual friends that have told me good things.
On what he can offer the team between now and the end of the season...
I've got a lot of experience. I'd love to bring some goals and excitement to the team. I'm a calm head around the place when things perhaps get a bit tense and help us get over the line.
On his first game against Barnsley...
It's straight into a six-pointer. I know we've got three or four big ones coming up towards the end of the season and they are going to be the most important ones. If we can get off to a good start against Barnsley, it will put us in a good position for the remainder of the season.
