Derby County midfielder Max Bird has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract, the club’s official website report.
The youngster came through the Derby academy and has been rewarded for his breakthrough at Pride Park – a decision which will delight the club’s supporters as they look forward to his progress.
Bird has been one of the outstanding performers for Derby’s youth sides in recent seasons. He made his official debut for the first-team in the EFL cup back in 2017, as a 16-year-old.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
The now 18-year-old is in the top 10 for youngest ever Derby players. He has since gone on to make appearances in the Championship, starting the recent encounter at Aston Villa.
Taking to social media site Twitter, Bird couldn’t hide his delight at extending until 2022.
Delighted to sign a new contract, the journey continues!😁🐏 #DCFC https://t.co/HZTPLpD9fj
— max (@maxbird10) March 22, 2019
Max Bird to get his chance at Derby County:
Derby manager Frank Lampard has been keen to give Derby’s youngsters a chance this season. Jayden Bogle has become a regular at right-back, while Mason Bennett is another having an impact.
Bird has plenty of potential and there is no doubt supporters will be seeing him over the next 18 months or so, a notion confirmed by Rams boss Frank Lampard.
“With the ability Max has got and how he goes about his work, it’s only a matter of time until we see more of him in the first team,” Lampard was quoted as saying by the club’s official Twitter account.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Bird has made three Championship appearances this term, while he has also featured in cup competitions. He played 52 minutes in the FA Cup clash with Southampton at Pride Park.
Predominantly a central midfielder, Bird has looked comfortable in a holding position. His first thought is to get the ball forward, and he could be deemed a long-term replacement for the ageing Tom Huddlestone.
Also see: ‘Buzzing’: Tom Huddlestone reacts to new Derby County contract