Dion Sanderson admits he found it 'quite tough' to step straight into the Derby County side within days of arriving at Pride Park.

The centre back, who is working under boss John Eustace for the fourth time, came on loan from Championship rivals Birmingham City in early August.

He struggled coming off the bench for his debut at Stoke City, as the Rams conceded two late goals to lose 3-1.

However, he has gradually found his best and has started every match since.

"I didn't expect to be as involved so quicky," Sanderson told Rams TV.

"To be honest, just because I didn't have a pre-season and I knew it would take a while for my fitness and to get fitter in training.

"But I got thrown into the thick of things and it was quite tough.

"I think it would have been tough, no matter whe

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