Exclusive: Sky Sports pundit reacts as Derby County eye ex-Newcastle player | OneFootball

Don Goodman has told FLW his verdict on Derby County's interest in Isaac Hayden

Don Goodman trusts John Eustace’s judgement amid Derby County’s interest in signing Isaac Hayden.

It has been exclusively revealed by FLW that the Rams are one of two Championship sides considering an approach for the midfielder.

It is believed that QPR are also in contention to sign the 30-year-old, who is currently a free agent.

Hayden has previously spent time on loan in the Championship after struggling for game time with the Magpies, which even included a stint with the Hoops during the 2023/23 campaign.

Don Goodman makes Isaac Hayden Derby claim

Goodman has highlighted Eustace’s work with previous experienced players like Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth at Blackburn Rovers.

The Sky Sports pundit has expressed his trust in the 45-year-old that he can get the best out of Hayden, despite concerns over his availability.

“I think you have to trust John Eustace’s judgement,” Goodman exclusively told Football League World.

“Clearly John, he is a manager/head coach that likes an experienced player, and you have to maybe look at what he did with Andi Weimann and Danny Batth at Blackburn Rovers when he took them there prior to the start of last season.

“They both excelled, had really good seasons, and he’d be looking to do something similar if he was to take Isaac Hayden to Derby.

“Because Isaac, he’s had his struggles with injury.

“It’s been quite some time since he’s managed to play 20 games in a season, from what I’ve just had a very quick look at.

“He’s had 12 starts on loan in the Championship last season, 12 starts the season before and nine the season before.

“So he’s not been playing a lot of regular football, and John Eustace and Derby would have to get him back to the player he was prior to that.”

Hayden could provide cover in midfield for Derby

Relying on Hayden to play every week would be a mistake for Derby, as highlighted by his poor availability record by Goodman.

However, he could provide some useful experience to the dressing room and would add competition for minutes in midfield.

Hayden also offers defensive solidity, which could work out well with the otherwise attacking additions they’ve made this summer.

As long as the terms of a contract aren’t too expensive, then this could be a deal with some potential for Derby.

A one year contract offer with the option to extend it by a further 12 months could be a sensible option that works well for all parties.