Ins and Outs

Two of Derby County`s squad were involved in deals this week with David Martin joining Walsall on a month`s loan and youngster Mark O`Brien signing a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2015. Martin, who joined The Rams in the summer of 2010 after spending three months on loan in the preceding season, has struggled to break into the first team and has only just returned from an ankle injury picked up in pre-season. He played in the reserves 6-1 victory over Walsall and impressed Saddlers` boss Dean Smith enough for him to enquire about taking the former Millwall winger on loan. The deal will keep Martin at the League Two club for a month.

O`Brien has put pen to paper on a new contract that extends his deal until the summer of 2015. After having missed most of the previous two seasons after a heart operation and a problem with his ankle O`Brien was one of The Rams` most consistent performers in pre-season. After Russell Anderson limped out of the opening day victory over Birmingham City to be replaced by the youngster he has been ever present ever since and Nigel Clough acted quickly to secure his future at Pride Park. Talking to dcfc.co.uk about the deal O`Brien said:

'I'm delighted and lost for words to be honest that the Club has offered me the opportunity to remain a Derby County player for the long-term. The last month or so has been an absolute dream. I've had so many highs during the last few weeks; it's been a huge learning curve for me in the early stages of my career and I'm really happy I've been presented the opportunity to extend my career here at Derby I'm really happy here and I'm enjoying my football, so it was a no-brainer to sign.'

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