Byrne aims to get first thee-point haul in bag
DERBY County new boy Nathan Byrne has settled in quickly to the club but says there’s one thing missing – the team’s first three points on the board.
The Rams are at home to Blackburn Rovers today (3pm), looking to produce the sort of performance and result from the last time the two sides met, with a 3-0 Pride Park win for Phillip Cocu’s men just before lockdown in March.
“It is massive for us to try and get a positive result this weekend,” said the right-back, who joined the Rams from Wigan Athletic a fortnight ago, signing a two-year contract on the eve of the 2020/21 Championship season.
“We have got our own goals and in the dressing room we have said what our goals are for the season as a team.
“We need to start putting those performances in and turning those performances into wins.
“We know how big it is and we are going to give everything to make it happen.”
Byrne joined the Rams from the Latics following their relegation to League One at the end of last season, because of a 12-point deduction for entering administration.
The 28-year-old made his debut off the bench against Reading on the opening day of the league campaign and he went on to make his first start at Luton Town last weekend as County failed to pick up any points in either game.
“I’ve settled in really well and there is great a good group of lads here,” Byrne told RamsTV.
“I am really enjoying working with the manager and I am feeling at home already.
“It depends where you are, what the group is like and what the manager is like, when it comes to if you are enjoying your football. I feel like I am already, so that helps.
“The hardest part is going into a new dressing room, but this group is very similar to the one I came from at Wigan.
“There are no little groups, or little cliques, everybody really gets on well and that is a positive thing, especially when you are trying to work together as a team.”
He added: “I think the style of play suits me, too, in my game and how I want to play.
“The manager wants attacking full-backs who bring that side of the game; crosses, assists and get forward when they can. I believe it suits me.”
DERBY County have joined the race to sign Jordan Obita, according to The Sun, after the defender left Championship rivals Reading.
Newly relegated Championship rivals Watford and Bournemouth are also reported to be interested in the 26-year-old.
The former England Under-20 international has been without a club since his Royals contract expired in July but it appears he’s a wanted man.
The Rams, who recently lost firstchoice left-back Max Lowe to Sheffield United, are reported to have identified the one-time Tottenham Hotspur youngster as a potential replacement.
Scott Malone has also left Pride Park, joining Millwall, leaving the club short on numbers in that department.
Watford, meanwhile, have been scouring the market for left-backs all summer after veteran Greek international Jose Holebas departed Vicarage Road.
Obita overcame a “horrific couple of years” ruined by injury but the versatile player, who can operate as a left-back, left wing-back or winger is ready to kick-start his career.