New Derby County signing Graeme Shinnie is excited for life in the Championship.

The Scotsman joined the club on a free transfer from Aberdeen after his contract expired on July 1.

There's been an anticipated wait for the midfielder, who was announced to be joining Derby back in May, after they reportedly fought off interest from clubs such as Celtic, according to HITC.

The 27-year-old spoke to Rams TV about him signing, and also how he wasn't too fussed either way whether Derby went up via the play-offs.

He said: "I was watching, hoping that we went up, but even if we didn't, I wanted to play my part in trying to get the club up," said Shinnie.

"So it was one of those - I was desperate for them to go up to the Premier League, to get that opportunity.

"But on the flip side of that, I want to try to play my part in getting us up there in the future."

He continued by talking about how he's getting on settling in.

"The first day is always that way, where you're trying to find your feet, and how everything works.", he said.

"I've never been at a training ground at the two clubs I've been at in the past, so this is a new experience for me."

"Getting to meet the boys, it's a good dressing room. I've been chatting away to plenty of the boys.

"As I'm here, the more I get on with people, the more I'll find out about people and get to know them.

"I think the pre-season tour in America will be good as well, because we'll be spending a lot of time with each other, so I'm looking forward to getting to know them more.

"I'm obviously wanting to establish myself in the team, first and foremost.

"I know how tough that will be, with the calibre of players that are here. So that's my first port of call - to try to impress and get in the team, and then try to show the fans what I've got."

I like to wear my heart on my sleeve, get stuck in as much as I can, try to drive the team forward, play with a real passion.

"I've been captain at Aberdeen and Inverness, so that syle of play is how I play.

"I like to try to chip in with goals as much as I can - and assists."

The Verdict

Graeme Shinnie has said all the right things so far and it looks like he'll be a really good addition to the club.

If he can get Derby promoted this season then he will undoubtedly be happy they didn't go up under Lampard, as that is a moment which is often the highlights of players' careers. However, he won't feel the same if they don't go up.

He has immense leadership qualities and that will be really influential for Derby next year to go forward.