League One side Derby County have decided to take right-back Sean Robertson on trial, with the former Crystal Palace defender playing in the Rams' friendly against Alfreton Town last night.

He impressed many with his performance despite the East Midlands side's surprising defeat to the non-league side, even managing to get himself on the scoresheet as he reduced the deficit for the third-tier side.

Liam Rosenior's men are arguably in need of another right-back regardless of Nathan Byrne's future, though the latter's potential departure would increase the need for another option in this position with the club still needing to strengthen in certain areas.

 

 

21-year-old Robertson could be a potentially suitable option - and it's a deal they would be able to get over the line with the right-sided player becoming a free agent on the expiration of his contract at Selhurst Park this summer.

He previously trained with Sheffield United, who desperately need a right wing-back to come in with Jayden Boyle potentially spending the first three months of the season on the sidelines.

The ex-Palace man would have had the task of competing with George Baldock for a starting spot at Bramall Lane - but he has rejected an extension to his trial period under Paul Heckingbottom to try his luck at Derby according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The Verdict:

Byrne could easily make a move back to the second tier and this would leave Robertson as the Rams' main right-back option if he was to sign a contract at Pride Park, so you can understand why he made the switch to the Midlands.

Although an injury to George Baldock may have given him a chance to shine at the Blades during the early stages of the 2022/23 campaign, his chances of starting for the long term weren't promising with Bogle likely to be Heckingbottom's long-term option in that position.

Even on the left, Enda Stevens, Max Lowe and Rhys Norrington-Davies are at United's disposal, so his first-team chances in South Yorkshire always looked set to be limited.

At 21, he needs to be playing as much as possible and he may have the best chance of doing this if he takes the step down to the third tier and certainly did his chances of earning a contract no harm last night.

For the Rams, he could be a cheap, long-term option if he can continue to maximise his performance levels, so this is a signing definitely worth making if he can continue to impress.