This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Regular Punter‘ series, where we gather original opinions from select, passionate fans of the clubs concerned on matters surrounding their team and share them with a wider audience…

Graeme Shinnie made his long-awaited Championship debut for Derby County last weekend, helping the Rams defeat Luton Town by two goals to nil at Pride Park.

The Scottish midfielder arrived at Pride Park from Aberdeen on a pre-contract agreement in the summer, where he was brought to the East Midlands club by previous manager, Frank Lampard.

But the 28-year-old has had to bide his time and be patient under Phillip Cocu, making only two appearances in the Carabao Cup and being an unused substitute on various occasions before the weekend.

But on Saturday afternoon, Shinnie put in a hugely impressive performance in the middle of the park, and plenty of Derby fans were quick to praise him after putting in such a energetic, lively display.

Football League World's Derby County fan pundit Lisa Howard has offered her thoughts on Shinnie's debut, and she said that he provided the "bite" that Derby have been lacking in midfield this season.

"I have been asking for Shinnie to start games, having done my research and looked at games he played in at Aberdeen. 

"His performance against Luton was fantastic, the type of player we have been crying out for in midfield. He's not afraid to get stuck in and he's the bite we have missed."

After making only a couple of appearances in the cup competitions before the weekend, plenty of Derby fans were quick to ask why Shinnie hadn't been involved in the league before then, having added so much tenacity to the midfield.

Howard admitted that she think Cocu will have his regrets after leaving Shinnie out of the team, saying: "I would imagine Cocu may well have regretted not playing him before the Luton game after that performance, the midfield at times as looked rather weak."

The Rams have climbed up to 13th spot in the league standings after picking up two wins from their last three games, and after a short international break, they take on high-flying Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
After a string of impressive individual displays against the Hatters, Shinnie included, the Scot will have definitely given Cocu food for thought ahead of the trip to London, with Kieran Dowell and Duane Holmes among those waiting in the wings for their chance.
Our regular punter has said that Shinnie should definitely start against the Addicks though, saying: "I think Shinnie will start the next game, and if he continues to perform at that level every game, I would expect Cocu to start him, we need to get a settled side as soon as possible."
[freshpress-poll ]