After setting the bar extremely high after his incredible goalscoring record at League One side Peterborough United last season, Jack Marriott was always going to find it difficult to replicate that form in the Championship. 

Marriott made the move to Frank Lampard's Derby County in the summer after scoring 33 goals in just 56 appearances for Peterborough last season but has struggled for goals at times since his move.

The striker netted his first goal for the Rams at Old Trafford against Manchester United as his side went on to defeat Jose Mourinho's men on penalties in the League Cup.

The 24-year-old has gone on to score three times in total for Lampard's side and in an interview with the Derbyshire Telegraph, he revealed that he feels he has overcome his fitness problems plagued his start to life at Pride Park after the summer move.

"I feel 100% now," he said. "All the fitness guys and everyone knew it was a difficult summer for me - but that has gone now.

"I'm just looking forward to the game on Wednesday (at West Bromwich Albion) - I look forward to every game now."

Marriott admitted that he had to improve his fitness levels to compete with the players he'll face in the Championship this season.

"It's a tougher level, so I'd say I'm even fitter than I was last season because you have to be.

"The Championship is harder than League One - everyone knows that - and the games are more intense."

Marriott will be looking to build on his recent impressive performances when Derby travel to West Brom in what is sure to be a tough test for the Rams if they are to pick up any points from the game.

The Verdict

When Marriott signed for Derby, I didn't think he would be able to force his way into the starting XI with competition for a forward place fierce at the club.

But he has certainly proved me wrong with a number of impressive performances in the limited game time he has currently had this season.

If he can settle quickly, then I can see him becoming the 20 goal striker that Derby will need to fire them into the play-off positions for a shot at the Premier League.