Bamford happy to link up with McClaren

Patrick Bamford has told Derby’s website the chance to play under Steve McClaren convinced him to join the Championship club on loan.

The 20-year-old Chelsea striker will complete the season at Pride Park, having spent the first part of the campaign on loan at League One side MK Dons, where he scored 14 goals in 23 appearances.

He joined the Blues in 2012 from Nottingham Forest, where Derby boss McClaren had a brief spell as manager.

And Bamford explained: “I think one of the key things was that I had worked with the head coach before, albeit only briefly.

“I worked with him for about three months and he was the one that pulled me up to the first team and gave me my first chance on the bench against Newcastle in the League Cup.

“He rang me while I was in Dubai to say that he was keen to sign me and that made the decision easy.

“If I can repay his faith in goals than I think he will be happy, so that is what I will try to do.”

A number of Championship clubs were keen to land Bamford, with Chelsea wanting him to be tested at that level.

It represents a significant challenge for the youngster, who is regarded as an excellent prospect.

“I want to try and nail myself a starting spot, whether it is on the right or as the number nine – just getting in the team will be a priority for me,” he added.

“One of the discussions I had with Chelsea was that I would be going from playing week-in week-out at MK Dons to fighting for my place at Derby. It is something I have got to get used to.

“Number nine is my preferred position, but I have played on the wing for Chelsea’s reserves.

“I played up front with Romelu Lukaku and we rotated a little bit, so I am quite used to playing on the right wing.”

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