Jack Marriott has revealed that he was surprised Derby County allowed him to leave for Sheffield Wednesday on loan on transfer deadline day.

The Rams have been short of options up top this season but Phillip Cocu sanctioned the Owls swoop for the ex-Peterborough man and it was a decision that caused a mixed response among the Derby fans.

And, speaking to the Sheffield Star about the deal, Marriott admitted that he didn't think it would be possible, although he thanked his former club for allowing it to happen.

"As soon as I heard Wednesday were interested, that was the only destination I wanted to go to. I was a little bit surprised. I thank Derby for allowing it. I appreciate they understand as a player I wanted to be here. In my mind, I’m here until the end of the season."

With Wayne Rooney having to self-isolate, Derby head into tonight's clash with bitter rivals Nottingham Forest with limited options for the striker role.

Martyn Waghorn is unlikely to be fit enough to play 90 minutes and new signing Colin Kazim-Richards may be in a similar position.

The verdict

This was a decision that did surprise many as Derby simply don't have enough players to play up front right now.

So, looking from the outside, it seemed bizarre that they let Marriott go when they don't have another player like him in the squad and clearly it surprised him.

In fairness, Phillip Cocu did explain the decision and it will be interesting to look back at this in a few months as to whether it was a smart move or the poor call that some think it was.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.