How Duane Holmes developed as a player and secured his Derby County move

Derby County forward Duane Holmes says playing in the lower levels of English football helped him become a better player.

The 23-year-old joined the Rams on deadline day from League One side Scunthorpe United, after spending two years at Glanford Park.

Holmes started his career with Huddersfield Town in 2013 in the Championship, but failed to nail down a regular starting spot.

During his three and a half years with the Terriers, Holmes only made four starts in all competitions, and had brief spells on loan to Bury and Yeovil Town to gain first-team experience.

It wasn’t until he moved to Scunthorpe in 2016 where he really got his opportunity.

With 10 goals in 88 league outings for the Iron, which included 62 starts, Holmes said playing regular football, and spending time in English football’s lower leagues, helped him develop his skills.

“I learned a lot about myself,” Holmes told RamsTV .

“I learned what it takes to be at the level I want to be at. I didn’t have a really good time of it at Huddersfield.

“I was always in and out and didn’t establish myself in their team but the two years at Scunthorpe really developed me as a player.

“I learned what I could bring to a team. Playing week in, week out is invaluable experience.

“I feel every player wants to be part of this team because it’s a great squad, and I’m no different. There is a lot of competition but it’s healthy competition. Everybody wants to be the best in training and that’s what you need to be successful.”