Craig Forsyth has revealed his delight at putting pen-to-paper on a new contract with Derby County.
The 28-year-old left-back, who was due to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign, has signed fresh terms until the end of the 2019/20 season.
He has been a regular face in Gary Rowett’s backline this term, appearing in 17 of the Rams’ 24 Sky Bet Championship fixtures to date after recovering from two long-term knee injuries.
Forsyth admits he’s both delighted and relieved to have his future resolved going into the New Year, allowing him to solely focus on his football as Derby look to maintain their promotion challenge.
The defender has contributed towards the side occupying a top-six spot at the halfway stage of the campaign, as well as the second best defensive record in the division, and earned praise from his manager for the way he conducted himself both on and off the pitch.
“I’m delighted to get the deal done,” Forsyth told RamsTV.
“I was going into the last six months of my old contract, so it’s nice to have everything sorted and not have it playing on my mind.
“I think I would be lying if I was to say it wasn’t something that was on my mind, especially given what’s happened in the last couple of years. You want to impress and show you are worthy of getting a new deal and I’ve managed to do that.
“I had a brief conversation with the manager at the start of the season and, with the situation, it was decided to see how things were after I had played so many games and that kind of thing. I knew it was down to me to prove that I was back and fit.”
He added: “From the moment I joined I have been made to feel very welcome by the club and I’m pleased I’ll be staying here for a bit longer.”
Forsyth feels his best form in a Derby shirt is still to come.
After proving his fitness following two lengthy spells in the treatment room, he believes he is edging towards the level of performance that he is capable of.
He has benefitted from regular first-team football in recent months to build up his fitness and confidence, combined with the added bonus of positive results for the team.
He said: “If I am honest I don’t think I’m at the level I have played at before just yet - but I think I am getting there.
“From the start of the season to where I am now, I think there’s a massive difference in the way that I am performing.
“I feel now that I am contributing to the team more and that’s what I want to do.”
Despite those two prolonged spells out of action, Forsyth has still racked up 150 appearances for the club since joining from Watford, initially on loan, back in 2013.
He played a key role as Derby reached the play-off final in 2014 and also scored his first Rams goal in a 3-3 draw at Birmingham City.
He also notched his only Pride Park goal to date with a thumping finish in a 4-2 victory against Watford towards the end of the season.
When asked for a standout moment of his time with the Rams so far, he replied: “It’s an obvious one, but it would have to be my first full season here when we got to the play-off final.
“We just couldn’t make the final step but it was a good season for myself and the team.”
With one eye on the future, Forsyth hopes Derby can make that coveted step into the Premier League in the future.
Rowett’s side have forced themselves into the promotion mix in recent months and the Scotland international says confidence is high in the camp.
Going into the latest round of matches, ahead of Saturday’s trip to Ipswich Town, Derby sit just two points and two placed behind second-placed Bristol City.
Forsyth said: “Everyone can’t wait for the next game, which you would expect when things are doing well.
“We want to keep our good form going and keep picking up points like we have been doing.”