PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Johnston looks forward to Oxford away trip

Max Johnston says Derby County are relishing the opportunity of action-packed three-game week of fixtures ahead of their visit to Oxford United on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).

The Rams will play three matches in eight days, with a trip to the Kassam Stadium at the weekend swiftly followed by two home fixtures at Pride Park Stadium, with the visit of Norwich City on Tuesday and Queens Park Rangers next Saturday.

Johnston joined up with the Scotland squad for last week’s international window, though he didn’t take to the field for the Tartan Army for their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Greece and Belarus.

Since joining Derby from Sturm Graz in the summer, the full-back has made six appearances in the Championship.

Johnston sat down with RamsTV to preview Saturday's visit to Oxford and reflect on his start to life at Derby.

On his time with Scotland on international duty…

It can be busy, but it's an honour to represent your country, whether that's every day in training or when you're walking out at Hampden Park. It's a special feeling and something I'm very grateful I get to experience.

It was a good week, too. We had two important results, and that guaranteed us a play-off spot in the World Cup qualifiers.

On his Derby debut against Ipswich and impressions of the Championship…

Obviously, you're getting thrown in straight away, but you wouldn't have it any other way. That's what you want to do. You want to be involved. I was grateful that I got the chance to go in straight away.

It's a really tough league. One thing I've noticed is that every team is a strong one. Every opponent you come up against have great players. It's something I've really enjoyed so far.