Pearson enjoying his best form since joining the Rams
STEPHEN Pearson says this is the best he has felt in a Derby County shirt since signing from Celtic three years ago.
The midfielder's career with the Rams had been interrupted by injuries before this season.
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Now the 27-year-old is enjoying a sequence of 21 consecutive starts – his best run in the side – and he has missed just six of the 39 league and cup fixtures.
Thirty three games is his best season for appearances since 2003-4 when he made 47 in all competitions for Motherwell and Celtic.
"It's been stop-start since I signed," said Pearson (pictured).
"I've played five or six and then missed a couple, so to play 20-odd games is good and I'm feeling stronger fitness-wise. I think it's as good as I've felt for Derby.
"I'm feeling injury-free, which is good, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.
"I have been unfortunate with injuries but hopefully I've put that behind me now.
"I'm training every day and playing games every week.
"I'm keeping myself fit and keeping myself in the best shape possible.
"I feel better in myself and physically stronger for getting a run of games.
"Hopefully, I'll stay fit to the end of the season."
Pearson was overlooked when new Scotland manager Craig Levein named his first squad for last week's friendly victory over the Czech Republic.
Almost two and a half years have past since Pearson won the last of his 10 caps for his country but he says his focus is on playing well for Derby.
"I wasn't really disappointed. I take it as it comes – if it comes, great, if it doesn't, I'll try to keep doing well for Derby," he said.
"If I'm not playing well for Derby, I won't get any recognition.
"First of all, it is about staying fit and playing well for Derby.
"Whatever else happens is a bonus."
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by GAZ, Derby
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:57PM
“MB, sorry to correct you but they will have a stadium 3 quarters full of freeloaders IF they scrape promotion. They are going to need Atwell a few times again between now and the end of the season though by the looks of things.”
by Ron Jeremy, Derbys
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:50PM
“Why are Forest fans so obssessed with our large attendances and amount of tickets that are given away through incentivised offers? Its pretty obvious your all jealous as you have to make do with a nintendo wii when you get your new phone! If and its now a massive IF with your current pathetic away form you win the league, dont you all get free season tickets from Victor Chandler? Will that shut you up and dry your eyes a little??! Get over the fact that we have more fans than you and we dont care about you having 2 teams in your city!”
by MB, Derby
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:49PM
“You'll also notice the deathly silence regarding Victor Chandler when Forest fans brag about paying for their tickets and the increased number of supporters....whereby anybody buying a season ticket this season gets it FREE next season...that's right FREE season rickets for ALL Season Ticket holders next year - kettle/black, glasshouse/stones etc etc.
Oh the shame - a stadium full of freeloaders, not just on the system, but of season tickets too...how embarassing.”
by MB, Derby
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:35PM
“No Gaz, it clearly say he supports Forest - he says heva Tin Pot Supporter from a Tin Pot club.”
by MB, Derby
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:27PM
“So there you go - they are sponsor putting money into the club. Thank goodness we've put the 'free' ticket debate to bed now with your admission that money is changing hands.
Oh and that 'insult' might carry more weight if there was even a chance they were the only company associated with Derby...but we've got a few that maybe you've heard of - Adidas, Toyota, Bombardier,Marstons,University,Greenbank,Eon,Texaco...the phone company sponsor the trainingwear I believe.
And then we have Forest - gamble by sponsor, gamble by nature”