STEPHEN Pearson believes he is in the best form and fitness of his Derby County career.
The 27-year-old midfielder has started the last 21 matches for the Rams — his best run since joining the club in January, 2007.
Pearson has been unfortunate with some of the injuries he has picked up during his time with the Rams and is now relishing his injury-free status.
He said: “I think this is as good as I’ve felt for Derby.
“It’s been stop-start. I’ve played five or six and then missed a couple, so to play 20-odd games is good and I’m feeling stronger fitness-wise.
“I’m feeling injury-free, which is good. I look forward to the rest of the season.
“I’ve been unfortunate with injuries but hopefully I’ve put that behind me now.
“I’ve got to look forward and hopefully push Derby as high as I can.
“I’m training every day and playing games every week. I’m keeping myself fit and keeping myself in the best shape possible.” Pearson was left out of new Scotland manager Craig Levein’s squad for the match against the Czech Republic on Wednesday — but says his international career is not a priority.
He said: “I’ve not heard anything (from Scotland). I’ll keep working away and if it comes, it comes, and if it doesn’t, then I’m not too bothered.
“We’ll see how it goes — play well for Derby first and foremost, stay fit and then whatever else happens is a bonus.
“I wasn’t really disappointed. I take it as it comes — if it comes, great, if it doesn’t, I’ll try to keep doing well for Derby.
“If not playing well for Derby I won’t get any recognition and (be) in the team at all.
“First things first is to play for Derby and take it from there.” Pearson has become a key part of Nigel Clough’s side wide on the left of midfield, away from his more usual role in the centre.
However, the former Celtic man is happy playing on the wing.
He said: “I’ve managed to get a bit more space out wide, which has helped me.
“I can use my pace a bit better out wide. I’m enjoying playing there and am happy to play there for the time being.” And Pearson has praised loan signing Michael Tonge after the Stoke City midfielder came in and made a big impact on the right of Derby’s midfield.
He said: “It’s working well at the moment. Tongey’s brought a bit of class and he’s a very good footballer.
He’s brought a lot of class to the side.
“Greeny’s the same as me and is a lot better for the run of games he’s had.
“And Sav's hardly missed a game all season.
“It's a good blend in there.” Derby take on Reading at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow night, kick-off 8pm, and Pearson is looking for three points.
He said: “Reading have struggled this season and they lost a game in the FA Cup on Sunday.
“They competed excellently against a very good side in Villa.
“It's going to be a tough game for us as we're really looking forward to it.
“We'll be looking to go to Reading, be positive, put on a good performance and get a good result.
“We've got a lot of games coming up and we got a good start on Saturday.” GARY Teale has returned to training for the Rams after a month out with a calf strain.
The Scotland international winger should be back in the squad for tomorrowʼs clash with Reading.
Kris Commons, however, remains on the sidelines with a torn hamstring.
DERBY have frozen their season ticket prices for those renewing for the fifth successive year.
Any season ticket holder renewing before April 18 will not fork out any extra on last yearʼs price.
Chief executive Tom Glick said: “To be able to offer a price freeze for the fifth season in a row demonstrates a reward for the loyalty shown by our incredible fans.”