KNIGHT SHIFT WILL BE UP TO MAN HIMSELF

JASON KNIGHT says he is ambitious but will “live and die” by his own decision regarding his future with Derby County. Knight was linked with Premier League moves to Newcastle, Leeds United and Everton a year ago but if he stays with Derby, he will be playing League One football again next season after the Rams’ failure to secure promotion.

- MICHAEL SCULLY

The 22-year-old has a year left on his contract and appears to be torn between a move and staying with the club that he has played 125 League games for since joining from Cabinteely United in 2019.

Certainly, the Dubliner believes the Rams are back on an even keel after turbulent times on and off the pitch.

“I am an ambitious person, and I want to play at the highest level I can at club level and international level,” said Knight, who picked up the man of the match award for Ireland in the 3-0 defeat of Gibraltar on Monday night.

“But it’s a great club, there are a lot of great people there. And I think there are foundations being built again to make it go up the levels and there are certain people behind the scenes pushing it.

“There are good times ahead at Derby, the club is in a good place now.