Armstrong is honing his GRAFT

GIVING ALL FOR THE BADGE KEY TO BLUES YOUNGSTER'S DERBY IMPACT

- By MATT JONES

HARRISON ARMSTRONG is thriving at Derby County on loan from Everton nd maybe we shouldn't be surprised.

Evertonians, after all, have been given glimpses of the youngster’s exceptional talent during a smattering of first-team appearances and from highlights of academy matches. And from Derby's perspective? Well, loan players from Goodison Park just seem to work out.

Lewis Dobbin recently went to Pride Park and performed well, while Rams fans also fondly remember Leon Osman’s stint at the club more than 20 years ago.

"I thought about this question a lot since you asked me and I think it is because, despite being worlds apart on the pitch, off it we’re not that different," Derby supporter and Reach sport content editor Richard Cusack told the ECHO when asked why deals between the two clubs have worked. "Derby fans want their players to leave it all out there on the pitch and graft for the badge. With Everton I am under the impression that it is the same. Derby is a working-class city and supporters of the club want to see grit and determination and Armstrong, like Leon Osman before him, has that in abundance.

"Osman had a transformative effect on Derby's season in 2003/04 and has one hell of a reputation for a player who only made 17 outings for the club."