Pearson keeps Derby focus

Midfielder concentrating on Rams career, not Scotland recall

Last updated: 9th March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Pearson keeps Derby focus

Pearson: Keeping Derby focus

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Stephen Pearson is focusing on maintaining his Derby form rather than earning a recall for Scotland.

The midfielder is currently enjoying a sequence of 21 consecutive starts for the Rams, his best run in the side since joining the club from Celtic in January 2007.

This current run is a welcome change in fortune for the 27-year-old, whose Pride Park career had been interrupted by a series of injuries.

Despite his prolonged run in the side, the Lanark-born player was still overlooked when new Scotland manager Craig Levein named his first squad for last week's friendly victory over the Czech Republic.

But Levein's decision did not disappoint the midfielder, who earned the last of his 10 caps for his country almost two-and-a-half years ago.

Recognition

Pearson, who signed a new contract in December which will keep him at the Rams until 2012, said: "I wasn't really disappointed to be left out. I take it as it comes. If it comes, great, if it doesn't, I'll try to keep doing well for Derby.

"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.

"It's been stop-start for me since I signed. I've played five or six games 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."

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