Knight admits he may have to move for Irish ambitions
DERBY County midfielder Jason Knight has referred to the “difficult situation” over his future at the club – and hinted he may have to look elsewhere if that is best for his future.
The 21-year-old is one of only six players currently under contract beyond this summer but he has been linked with returns to the Championship next season and even a step up to the Premier League. Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle United and recently relegated Burnley have all been linked with him.
Knight is currently away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland and will be hoping to add to his 11 caps, starting with the National League game away to Aremenia tomorrow (2pm).
And, in an interview with the Irish Mirror, he has acknowledged that playing in League One next season could harm his chances of future call-ups.
“It’s a really competitive squad we’ve got now and you need to be playing football at the highest level you can,” said Knight.
“That’s for me and the manager (Wwayne Rooney) to talk about but, for the moment, I’m still at Derby. I love the city and the club and I’ve been there a while.
“You need to look after yourself as well. It’s a difficult situation but it’s something I’ll think about. I have to see what’s best for me, what’s going to help develop me.”
Knight has spoken about playing in the Premier League.
“Whenever I step out there I always mix it with anyone,” he said.
“If that offer comes in, it’s something you have always dreamt of, playing in the Premier League and at the highest level.
“Everyone knows it’s been a tough year with things behind the scenes at Derby. I’ve played a lot of games, so I was happy with that aspect, but what the future holds, I don’t know. I’ll see what happens.”
Knight has become an important cog in the eyes of Republc of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
And he has seen Jamie Mcgrath lose his place in the Ireland squad after a lack of games following a move to Wigan Athletic.
But he also knows he owes a debt to Rooney, saying he will never forget the role the Rams manager has played in his career.
“Throughout the season we always have regular chats and conversations, about how I can improve and stuff like that,” said Knight.
“We both know I did well but I could have done better in a lot of aspects. I could have scored more goals (he bagged two in the season) and more assists.
“That’s something I need to do, to get that tally up. That’s what we are working at, not only at the club but with Ireland as well.
“It’s not someone else’s responsibility to show me that – it’s something I can improve.”
He says Rooney helped him tap into an inner belief that he can play at a higher level and on the international stage.
Asked what one quality he rates about Rooney’s management style, Knight said: “His grit and determination.
“With the situation that has gone on at Derby, he has been a real calm head in a really tough situation.
“He showed a lot of calm in tough moments and that was reflected in the squad and some performances. He showed good character this year.
“It’s been difficult, I think more so for the fans and the people around the city, it’s been really difficult.
“For us as players all we could focus on was the playing aspect of it and the people higher up needed to sort (the rest) out.
“Everyone knew it would be difficult but we’ve come together as a group of players, as staff and as a club.
“I know it didn’t end up the way we wanted it to but there’s always positives and I’m looking forward.”
Right now, his attention is on Ireland’s four Nations League games. Ukraine (twice) and Scotland follow the Armenia game.
When fit, Knight has proved his worth to Kenny’s cause and the impact he made off the bench in November, in the last World Cup qualifying group game against Luxembourg, had fans purring.
He turned the game on its head and played a starring role in a 3-0 win, finishing off a disappointing campaign on a high for Ireland.
“I had a good impact in that game but that’s something I need to continue doing in this (Nations League) campaign,” added Knight.
“I need to get into the team first and foremost. I know a four-game window is not really heard of but we’ve got a big squad now and everyone can play their part.
“I need to take my chance when it comes and, hopefully, I can do that.”