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Robbie Savage has opened up on how he used to create fake names in order to write good things about himself on online forums during his time at Derby County.

The former Wales international was speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live alongside Freddie Flintoff when he made the admission.

The Mirror Football columnist moved to Derby in January 2008 from Blackburn, but encountered a few teething problems at first.

Below par performances and Premier League relegation led to Savage being loaned to Brighton the following season.

(Image: Reuters)

But the midfielder returned to the Rams in January and thrived under new boss Nigel Clough. Savage went on to have three reasonably successful seasons at Derby.

"I was the most insecure person ever," said Savage. "To the point where when I signed for Derby and was having a shocker, you know those chat boards?

(Image: BBC5 Live / Twitter)

"I made up a name, went on them and used to say, 'Robbie played really well today, didn't he'.

"Seriously, I was that insecure I used to phone newspaper reporters up if I got six or a five in the paper and say, 'What are you talking about, what game were you at? I was at least an eight or a nine'.

(Image: Getty Images)

"I was so insecure as a person, I'd have the best game in the world and I'd still think 'am I going to be playing next week?'

"I'd phone four, five, six different people to say I played well."