CONOR Doyle is still pinching himself after starting his first game for Derby County.
The 18-year-old American forward was pitched in against Coventry City last week in the Rams’ 2-1 defeat at the Ricoh Arena.
And with injuries still troubling Derby boss Nigel Clough, the Texan could be in line to start against Queen’s Park Rangers tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.
Rob Hulse is almost certainly out with Achilles trouble, while Chris Porter (hip) is still rated as doubtful for the visit of the Championship leaders to Pride Park.
Tomasz Cywka may replace Doyle after coming on against the Sky Blues wearing a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone — but the young American is hoping he keeps his place.
“I never expected to start,” Doyle said.
“Like I’ve told people, I thought it’d be two weeks and then back to college.
“Coming here for two weeks, making the team, then starting a game two weeks into the season — I never thought it would happen.
“It was nice to start against Coventry, but not the result we wanted.” Doyle only found out he was starting hours before Saturday’s game — but feels he coped well with the demands of a Championship encounter.
“I got in the locker room and saw my name up there,” he said. “I thought there was a possibility but Tomasz trained on Friday and looked good.
“Starting is what everyone wants to do and it was awesome.
“Like I’ve said before, it’s quicker and more physical, but I was all right with it.
“We need to step it up and get some points.
“Obviously, training day in and day out with these players helps, but there’s nothing like starting a game.
“Starting and playing 70 (minutes) was a good experience.
“It was the end of April when I last started a game at college.
“It’s a big difference but some thing I’ve got to get used to now.” Rumours have emerged on the Internet
of the Republic of Ireland taking an interest in Doyle, whose father is Irish — but the player is more interested in getting his club career up and running.
“Right now, I’m focusing on getting in the team here and I’ll make that decision when it comes,” he said.
“I haven’t really thought about international football.
I’ve concentrated on settling in, impressing the gaffer
