Keogh Fits Right In

Nigel Clough believes Richard Keogh has fit right into his role in the centre of Derby County`s defence and that he has shown his quality already despite his side not having kept a clean sheet so far this season.

Having sold Jason Shackell to Saturday`s opponents Burnley there was more than a little disquiet amongst Rams fans with the former Barnsley defender being one of the outstanding players of last season and one they would have expected to build the team around. However, with Coventry City`s relegation from the Championship Keogh became available and Clough made no secret of the fact that he was he player he wanted to replace Shackell.

Keogh has played every game so far in the opening stages of the season and has also been named as the stand-in skipper while Shaun Barker recovers from injury. His early season performances have shown some promise and he has also been amongst the goals scoring twice already this season and showing his attacking threat from set pieces. Talking to the Derby Evening Telegraph about Keogh`s impact so far Clough said:

'Richard was always our first choice, no disrespect to anybody else, and he has been magnificent on and off the pitch. He gives absolutely everything and he has fitted in really well. Despite the goals we have conceded, I think the defenders have done a job for us."

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