‘Best place to kick-start my career’ – Crystal Palace midfielder explains Derby loan move

Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh says Derby County is the best place to kick-start his career in his first senior loan spell away from Selhurst Park.

The 19-year-old made 13 appearances for the Eagles at senior level and registered nine Premier League outings as a substitute last season.

Plymouth wanted to take Ozoh on loan and Luton wanted to buy the midfielder permanently this summer.

The Hatters were also open to a loan deal.

Derby confirmed on Wednesday that Ozoh had penned a season-long loan deal at Pride Park.

He told Derby’s website: “This is a big club with a big history as well. I felt like this was the best place to kick-start my career. 

“He (Paul Warne) is a good gaffer. From the first time I spoke to him, he just made me feel welcome and he spoke to my family. I thought this is the place to be.

“I told my agent straight away that this is a club I wanted to join, and he made me feel really welcome here. 

“I played a couple of games last season and was on the bench a bit too. But that can get a bit frustrating, so I thought I should go out and get some games. So, I’m really happy to be here.”