Blackett-Taylor confident he can 'get going' for Derby

Corey Blackett-Taylor featured just 13 times for Derby County last season

Winger Corey Blackett-Taylor says the struggles he has endured at Derby County have not robbed him of any self-belief.

The 27-year-old has scored just one goal in 25 appearances - of which only 10 have been starts - for the East Midlands club since arriving from Charlton Athletic in January 2024.

He scored more goals and played more league matches in his final six months with Charlton than he has managed since joining Derby 18 months ago.

When he initially arrived on loan from the Addicks when the Rams were chasing promotion from League One, he came with huge expectations.

And he insists he is still determined to live up to them.

"Personally, I'm fine with pressure like that," he told BBC Radio Derby.

"I feel that I've been unfortunate with injuries and I've not been able to fully get going. That has really been on my mind, but I'm definitely confident that it can happen."

Blackett-Taylor failed to establish himself in Paul Warne's side after they were promoted to the Championship last season, and a hamstring injury in January meant he did not feature for John Eustace after he took the helm as head coach with 14 matches remaining.

The player describes what he has been through with Derby as "tough not only on my body, but mentally as well".

Eustace says Blackett-Taylor has "looked exciting" since returning fully fit for pre-season training.

Blackett-Taylor says proving himself to Eustace after starting life under the head coach on the injury list is a "challenge" he relishes.

"I always knew that once I got back fit, I'd back myself to show the manager what I'm about to try get back into the team," he said.

"When he came in last year, he knew that I was injured and he came and spoke to me straightaway and told me that he will do everything he can for me and that he would be patient."

Blackett-Taylor has been quick to make an impression now that he is available to play for Eustace.

He has scored three goals in as many pre-season friendlies to date, and says he is glad to be "fit and firing" and able to show what he is capable of again.

"With qualities I have, when I'm playing well, the team plays well," he said.

"I know that's the kind of role I can have in the team and how important I can be when I'm firing and playing well. That is something I want to do this season."