Coach reveals what it's like to be back at Derby County's training ground

The Rams' Championship campaign has been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic

Derby County's head goalkeeping coach Shay Given admits the first few weeks back in training will seem strange.

The Rams' Championship campaign has been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Their last game was the home victory over Blackburn Rovers on March 8 and the players and staff have been in lockdown since and not able to train at Moor Farm.

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They are back from today, but training under the strict EFL 'Return to Training Protocols'.

"We had COVID-19 tests done last week at the training ground and it felt like such a long time since we had been back there, so it was nice to see some friendly faces," Given told RamsTV.

"We’ve all been tested and are looking forward to getting going. It was a bit different in the sense the car park was cordoned off and you were only allowed to park in a certain area.

"It’s probably going to be strange for a few weeks to get back into the swing of things. I will be working with my group (goalkeepers) and we will have to keep our distance and obey the rules which have been put in place by the medical team.

"In football, we are used to going into the training ground, being around each other and the banter around the dressing room. But for now, we have to turn up in our cars, do the session and get back in the car to head home.

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"It will feel strange for a while, but I think everyone is looking forward to being back out on the grass. When I went to the training ground last week, I had a walk on the training pitch to feel the grass under my feet and get that smell back of being on the pitch.

"We’ve been off for such a long time, it will feel like a pre-season to a degree."