Derby youngster Max Lowe has revealed that Phillip Cocu has told the squad that there is a "clean slate" at the club.

Lowe, 22, who spent last season on loan at Aberdeen and picked up 42 appearances, is now pushing for the first team at Pride Park.

The left back told the club website that Cocu has outlined what is expected from the squad if they are to be picked for his team.

He said: "That was the first thing he said to all of us as a group that it was a clean slate. He has put the marker down and we all know what we need to do to get a shirt.

“It is a fair battle for everyone and everyone is trying to do their best to get in there.”

Lowe appeared five times for the Rams last season, and this year he wants more of that action, after being at the club for over a decade.

He said: "Getting 40 plus games was a massive tick of the boxes and staying fit.

“I've had issues with injuries in the past so getting through last season injury-free was a massive improvement for me.

“I am just happy with the amount of games I got because you learn in every game you play and there were some massive games up in Scotland.

“I feel like I have learned a lot and it has given me confidence coming back here to try and get a place in the squad.”

He added: “I want to get back in that Derby shirt. Hopefully I can be back here for this season and get some games under my belt.

“I am at an age now where I need to kick on and play as many games as I can.”

Derbyshire-born Lowe has appeared 17 times in total for Derby and is yet to contribute towards a goal. For Aberdeen, he played 42 times in all competitions, scoring three times and assisting twice.

Cocu was appointed as the new Derby manager last week, replacing Frank Lampard who left the club after one season to join Chelsea.

The Verdict

It's a good sign for Lowe that Cocu has told everyone that they will have a chance to win the shirt as he should be knocking at the door for a first team place last season.

He was more than competent in the SPL last year, so the Derby youth player should be hoping to not be sent out on loan again.

While the level of the SPL is lower than the Championship, playing at Celtic Park in front of 50,000 people is a different kind of pressure that he wouldn't be able to experience in this league.

If he can work hard and impress during pre-season, there should be no reason why he can't be around the first team - especially considering that Cocu is unlikely to have favourites at this stage.