Derby County reaction given after big Andi Weimann decision - "On the surface it seems strange" | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit has weighed in on the Rams' decision to keep hold of Andreas Weimann on deadline day.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

John Eustace has shaped his squad ready for the run-in in the Championship, as Derby County look to continue their fine run of form following their impressive 5-0 drubbing of Bristol City on Friday evening.

The Rams added to their squad on deadline day, with the arrival of left-back Derry Murkin from Dutch side FC Utrecht as well as Sammie Szmodics from Ipswich Town.

The 26-year-old was the fourth and fifth signings of the winter for the East Midlands outfit, following the arrivals of Oscar Fraulo and Jaydon Banel, while Dion Sanderson's loan move to Pride Park was made permanent following a strong loan spell from Birmingham City.

Nevertheless, it wasn't just incomings that kept Derby busy throughout January, with the likes of Kayden Jackson, Corey Blackett-Taylor and Curtis Nelson bidding farewell to DE24. However, an approach for attacking midfielder Andreas Weimann from Austrian side Rapid Vienna was rejected on Monday.

Derby County told they were right to reject Rapid Vienna's interest in Andreas Weimann

Weimann only joined the Rams in the summer, signing a one-year deal with the club with an option for an extra 12 months, with this his second stint at Pride Park.

Game time has not been as easy to come by as the 34-year-old would have liked, but he has been a key player off the bench for Eustace. Following Rapid Vienna's interest in the ex-Bristol City man, Football League World's Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, has weighed in on whether that was the right decision rejecting it.

He said: "I'm not surprised we've rejected this. I know on the surface it seems strange considering he barely plays, but he still has a role to play in the squad, and he's obviously highly thought of by Eustace.

"As he showed against Bristol City the other night, he can come on, and he can have an impact for 10/15 minutes. At the moment, with us letting Corey Blackett-Taylor go, Jackson go and some of the fringe players, we can't just let everyone go and rely on just our strong starting XI."

Shaun continued: "So, you need a few players that can come on and make an impact, which Weimann can do. He's not going to start games. He's not going to really tear this league up, but I still believe he's got an important role to play in the last three or four months of the season.

"We could be a bit light in the attacking areas if anyone gets injured. So, he's still quite an important squad player for me and I can understand why Eustace hasn't let him go right now, but he will clearly be leaving at the end of his contract. I can't imagine we'd give him another year."

Andreas Weimann's versatility makes him crucial for Derby County

Weimann has made 25 league appearances for Derby this season, missing out on featuring for the team on just four occasions. However, he has started only five times, with his most recent appearance in the starting XI coming on December 10 in a 1-1 draw against Millwall at Pride Park.

Nonetheless, his versatility makes him an asset from off the bench, and therefore it was vital that the Rams did not lose him.

Rapid Vienna moved on quickly after Derby's rejection, with the 7pm deadline on Monday leaving Derby with very little time to bring in another attacking player, although was worked to bring Szmodics in from Ipswich late on despite interest from Wrexham.

Weimann will be hoping to make a greater impact in the final months of the campaign, and his experience will be vital as the Rams push for a play-off place.