Derby County manager Paul Warne said that striker James Collins ‘stood out’ as he scored a brace in the 2-0 win away at Carlisle United on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams secured their first league win in three games, with James Collins scoring in the 18th minute and the 84th, converting a penalty for his second.
Warne said he was happy with Collins all-round performance on Saturday.
“He led the line really well and you need a physical presence up there,” Warne told the Derby Telegraph.
“Collo was one of the players who stood out. I am really pleased for him. He lives right, he trains right, and is the best version of himself. He’s a great guy and a popular figure in the dressing room. The lads are really pleased he has a brace and it was a nice day for him.”
Paul Warne pleased with new signing’s debut
Warne explained that he was pleased with his defence, including debutant Ryan Nyambe, after having to deal with a lot of set pieces, with Carlisle even hitting the woodwork twice.
“I was pleased that when we had to defend numerous corners and free-kicks that on nearly everyone we got first contact,” he said. And for the last 20 minutes of the game, we countered really well but we didn’t make the most of them.
“I would have been super pleased from the counter-attacking we scored another goal and made the afternoon a bit easier. But Ryan Nyambe did well, and I was pleased with the backline as a whole really.”
Namibia international Nyambe joined the club in midweek on a deal until the end of the season so provider cover at right back, after injuries to summer signings Kane Wilson and Joe Ward.