Callum Ball keen to see off fit rivals for Derby shirt

YOUNG striker Callum Ball is determined to hold off the competition and keep his place in Derby County's first team.

The 19-year-old Academy product is set to lead the attack at Millwall today in what would be his 10th consecutive start.

Callum Ball will make his 10th consecutive start for Derby County against Millwall today and is hoping to keep his place ahead of more experienced strikers who have been injured.

But Ball knows the battle for starts up front is hotting up.

Nathan Tyson, Ryan Noble and Steven Davies are all eyeing a place, while leading scorer Theo Robinson could return to action next week after being sidelined with a calf injury.

Tyson is fit and is likely to partner Ball up front against Millwall.

The pairing did well in the home victories over Leeds United and West Ham United in December before Tyson suffered a recurrence of his groin problem.

Noble's loan spell from Sunderland expires after Tuesday's home game against Reading and Davies is working his way back to match fitness after he was out for three months with a fractured skull.

Davies has played three games for the Reserves in the last few weeks.

When asked about the competition for places, Ball said: "We have got a few strikers coming back from injury and having them around is going to make me work even harder but, hopefully, I can keep them out and keep my place.

"It has been a good few months for me and, hopefully, it will continue."

Ball admits that he almost has to pinch himself each time he runs out for the first team.

He has made 15 appearances this season and scored three goals, all of them in home victories, including winners against Bristol City and Coventry City.

"At the start of the season, I was with the youth team and the Reserves," he said.

"There were a few injuries and I got my chance.

"It is hard to believe what has happened this season. I'm still shocked about it.

"A few months ago, I was playing for the youth team and the Reserves and now I am out there playing in front of 26,000 every week.

"It is a big ask but I feel I'm coping and I'm loving every minute of it."

Ball says each training session and match is a learning curve for him.

"I feel I am learning all the time," he added.

"I've got things in my game I can work on and, each day, I'm trying to get fitter and sharper and trying to make myself a better player.

"I'm still young but this is a big chance for me.

"Now I've got to keep my place."