Savage Raring To Go

Derby skipper Robbie Savage has revealed his excitement about the new season and said he cannot wait for it all to begin against Leeds United on Saturday.

Savage, 35, will be playing in his 19th campaign since starting out as a professional in the early 1990s and in an interview with the club`s official website - he said this season is no different to his previous 18.

The midfield ace said: "Pre-season has been good on the whole and I imagine this week will be short, sharp and exciting. It`s a big week for us, but we`re all up for it and ready to go.

"We`re all excited and ready for the challenge at Leeds (Saturday August 7 - 5.15pm kick-off).

"Personally I cannot wait. It is really exciting. I still can`t believe I`m here playing at this level and I am so appreciative."

Savage was not worried about Derby`s recent loss to Birmingham City in the weekend friendly match and is confident that the Rams` new 4-2-3-1 formation is working well.

He added: "It was a good performance. We just didn`t capitalise on the first 20 minutes when we dominated. After that they got to grips with us but we continued to play our football.

"The formation is doing well for us, and I think the fact that our left-back (Gareth Roberts) scored, our substitute left-back (Dean Moxey) missed a great chance and our centre-back (Dean Leacock) put the three best crosses in proves how comfortable we are with it."

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