Derby County midfielder Graeme Shinnie says he questioned his future at the club after initially struggling to make an impact under Phillip Cocu, Press and Journal report.
Shinnie agreed to join Derby from Aberdeen on a free transfer last summer.
The Scotland international signed a pre-contract agreement with the Rams before the end of last season when Frank Lampard was in charge of the club.
Lampard’s exit proved to be a unique scenario for Shinnie. And, the former Aberdeen man admits the thought of playing elsewhere cropped up earlier on this season.
It was not so much a mistake, because I could never foresee what would happen with Frank Lampard leaving and everything else. But there was a stage when I thought if I’m not going to play here then I’ll go and play somewhere else. It’s football. It’s what happens. If one manager doesn’t want you, someone else somewhere else will.
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Graeme Shinnie admits early season struggles:
Shinnie no doubt expected to be a part of Frank Lampard’s set-up as it was the current Chelsea manager who brought the midfielder to Pride Park last summer.
His chances were limited under Cocu at the start. Shinnie featured in the Carabao Cup, but he had to wait some time before getting a shot at Championship football.
Tom huddlestone’s injury at Barnsley provided the opportunity. Shinnie came in against Luton Town, and he provided a man of the match performance.
The 28-year-old told reporters after how he felt he was playing for his future.
Shinnie has since established himself in Derby’s midfield. He later scored his first goal with a last-minute winner in a 1-0 victory over Wigan Athletic at Pride Park.
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