Defender delighted to join Derby County on loan.

New signing Ryan Shotton says he can’t wait to get his Derby County career underway.

The 25-year-old defender joined Derby from Stoke City this afternoon in a loan deal which is with a view to a permanent transfer.

Having found his first-team opportunities limited across the A50, Shotton is eager to impress Head Coach Steve McClaren and force his way into his starting line-up.

Derby and Stoke had been in talks over bringing Shotton to the iPro Stadium during the last few weeks and the Potters’ Academy product is relishing the prospect of a fresh start with the Rams.

He told Rams Player: “It’s a move has been on the cards for a few weeks.





“We’ve spoken, discussed a few things and I’m here now and ready to go.





“I am itching to be playing first-team football again; that’s what it is all about.





“I’ve missed playing regularly and after going on loan to Wigan Athletic last season I was on the bench a few times for Stoke, without getting on the pitch.





“Steve McClaren believes in me and I am looking forward to joining this team and pushing forward.





“I can play in a number of positions but I love defending and playing football, which is what it is all about.”





Shotton will go straight into the squad for tomorrow’s Capital One Cup Second Round tie with Charlton Athletic and he added: “I’m glad we have a game straight away; it’s fast and I am ready to go if needed.





“If I get a chance to play I’ll be determined to impress the Head Coach and will try to earn a place in the side.”







Shotton watched Derby’s promotion challenge in 2013/14 from afar and was impressed with what he saw.

The Rams have shown no sign of a ‘Play-Off Hangover’ in the early weeks of the new season and were 5-1 winners over Fulham at the weekend.

Shotton hopes he can be part of another promotion push in a Rams shirt.

He said: “I saw Derby a few times last season and was impressed with them.





“The Play-Off Final was devastating for a lot of people.





“The side has made a good start to the season and I hope I can be part of a promotion challenge.”





Watch more from Ryan Shotton in an exclusive interview on Rams Player.





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