Richard Keogh's 10 to tackle as he tells all about his Derby County team-mates
Thursday 29 October 2015 12:29, UK
Derby County defender Richard Keogh answers ten questions in this week's FL72 podcast, telling all about his team-mates.
What do your team-mates call you?
Keysey, Dublin bear, that's one I've had from the Irish boys as well... so Keysey or Dublin bear.
The best thing about playing for Derby?
Great club. The facilities, stadium, fans… at the home games we get sold-out crowds, play good football so just loving every minute of it really.
Cleverest team-mate?
Chris 'Chrissy' Martin has got to be up there. He's clever. We have some good conversations, we live on the same road so we go together in the car in the morning to training and sometimes we can go off on one.
Who is not the brightest?
Mason Bennett is not the sharpest. He's a young lad, still got time to learn but Masy sticks out.
Any superstitions or pre-match rituals?
Greg Bryson has got quite a few. When he plays after we do the warm-up, he has to run in the tunnel and come into the dressing room and go to the toilet or do whatever he needs to do. He does that. Me personally, I always do a header before I come on to the pitch over the line but that's about it.
Best player you've played with?
Wes Hoolahan is a good player, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, probably them, they stick out. Wes can produce a little bit of magic.
Past or present… player you wish you could play with?
When I was growing up I used to enjoy watching Igor Stimac, obviously he used to play for West Ham when I was younger and Derby so I was a big fan of him. Rio Ferdinand (as well) so maybe three at the back with me in there and those two I think would be quite nice.
Best moment in football so far?
Probably captaining my country, I think that would be right up there. I don't think there are many better feelings than that. Obviously scoring for my country was up there, but being captain topped it all.
Worst moment?
The play-off final sticks out a little bit. Just on the day we didn't really deserve to lose the game with what happened but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I think personally, and as a team, we've really bounced back from it so hopefully we can get the job done this year.
Where will Derby finish this season?
I think it's a tough league with so many good teams. Our aim is to go automatics so top two for us is definitely achievable I think, but we just want to make sure we try and finish in the top six or the top two and just try and get promoted.
