Frank Lampard's Derby arrival gave Kelle Roos hope for more chances
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Monday 25 February 2019 12:39, UK
Derby County goalkeeper Kelle Roos says the arrival of Frank Lampard gave him renewed hope he would get his chance to impress in the Sky Bet Championship.
Roos made his league debut for the Rams in January, five years after first joining the club from non-league Nuneaton Town, following an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Scott Carson.
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Since arriving at Derby, Roos has spent spells on loan at Rotherham, AFC Wimbledon, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale and Plymouth, but the Dutchman insists he never gave up hope of breaking into the first team at Pride Park.
He said: "This year was different for me because we have a new manager in Frank Lampard and a new staff and I felt straight away that there was something to get here for me so I just kept my head down, I worked hard.
"That's something I believe in. Obviously when you don't always play you have to get habits for yourself where you believe in and where you trust the process and for me that's work.
"So I started working hard, I started putting my head down and started trying to get my foot in the door and to make sure that people knew who I was.
"I thought this year when the new staff came in and the way we try to play football that it suited me so I wanted to be in this building pushing Scott Carson and for now it has worked out right and now I am in the team.
"So I just have to deliver and make sure everyone is happy with the things I do."
Derby travel to face East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest on Monday, live on Sky Sports Football, and Roos knows the importance of a victory at the City Ground, with both clubs firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot.
"There's always a lot at stake when you play against the big rivals. I think for us it's a case of knowing what we are good at and try and put that on the pitch," said Roos.
"It's a big game for the fans, we do realise that. We need to get ourselves sorted and be ready to rock. Hopefully we can do the job."
Roos has played eight consecutive games under Lampard but he is taking nothing for granted, with Carson close to a return from injury.
He said: "I'm happy, I think I can be content with the performances I have put in but there is no such thing as getting comfortable.
"The games are coming thick and fast in the Championship so there is no time to reflect and enjoy too much. You have to stay focused during the whole season and that's what I am trying to do."
