MATTY Palmer was pleased to come away from Pride Park with a point after returning Derby for the first time as a Burton Albion player, describing it as an “enjoyable experience”.
Palmer, 23, had a spell in the Rams’ academy before joining up with the Brewers and progressing through the academy ranks, making his debut in 2013. Palmer has gone on to make over 150 appearances.The midfielder returned to Pride Park for the first time on Tuesday night and relished the challenge of a Derby side that still harbour play-off hopes. The midfielder admitted that it was a difficult game, but was pleased with the outcome.
“Obviously being there in the academy, it meant a lot to go back to Pride Park and it was an enjoyable experience. It was a challenge, obviously, because Derby are a good team and they move the ball really well, but I really enjoyed it.
“I have played a lot over the last four years that I have been a professional, I have really enjoyed every single season and I think that this season has been my most enjoyable season because in the Championship you get to play with some really good players and get to play some good football.
“Obviously going back to Derby last night was a challenge, obviously you want to impress because that is the club that you used to play for, but I thought I did well.”
Palmer also said that he enjoyed the challenge of playing against England under 21s international Will Hughes, who the Burton midfielder went to school with.
“We used to go to junior school together, it was good to play against him because he is obviously a very good player, it is good to challenge yourself against players like that and I thought I did well against him.”
Palmer and the rest of the team now turn their attention to Friday’s crucial clash with struggling Blackburn Rovers at the Pirelli Stadium.