Currie eyes promotion prize

By Chris Bevan

I had always wondered if I was going to get the chance at a higher level - there had always been a question mark about my pace Darren Currie

Darren Currie will probably miss out on a medal if Derby win the Championship title - not that he cares too much.

The tricky winger is on loan with the Rams from Ipswich until the end of the season and helping Billy Davies' side into the Premiership is all that matters to him.

"That would be the best thing ever - my biggest achievement without a doubt," he told BBC Sport.

"If we do win the title it would be a shame if I don't get a medal because I have played my part, and I would probably buy myself one if it came to it.

"But what really matters is promotion. It is in our hands now, which is all you can ask for at this stage of the season, and it is up to us to take this opportunity."

Whoever wins the title will get 16 medals to share out between their squad but Currie knows what he would rather be getting from Derby boss Billy Davies in May - a permanent deal.

"My loan deal here is only until the end of the season so I am fully aware I have got a lot to do to earn a contract," Currie explained.

"As it stands I am here for six more games and I have got to earn the right to stay here beyond that.

"I have got to think about my future and I want my future to be here at Derby."

If the Rams do go up it will be a remarkable end to a strange season for Currie, even by his standards.

He began the campaign in the first team at Ipswich but joined Coventry for a month after falling out of favour at Portman Road - and almost ended up in America with David Beckham.

But a two-week trial with LA Galaxy only made Currie realise how much he enjoyed playing in England - and Derby's interest made up his mind for him.

Now he is six games away from the Premiership - not bad for a player who was relegated out of the Football League with Barnet in 2001.

Since leaving Underhill soon after that disappointment Currie's career has only moved in one direction - upwards.

Darren Currie made his Derby debut against Cardiff on 17 March

Three years at Wycombe were followed by his first season in the Championship with Brighton in 2004 at the age of 29.

"I had always wondered if I was going to get the chance at a higher level, there had always been a question mark about my pace," Currie added.

"But I never doubted myself or lacked confidence - I am not that sort of person.

"Thankfully Mark McGhee gave me my chance at Brighton and I proved in six months there that I can play at this level. That is what got me my chance with Ipswich.

"I never stop believing and that is the advice I give to younger players now - don't get yourself down.

"I never thought the day would come but I am the old experienced head now. I have learnt a lot from my time in the game so I try to pass it on.

"As beautiful a game as football is, it is also a harsh one and, unless you are one of the few massive names in the game who has had success throughout you are going to get a few knocks - but it is how you respond to them that counts."

In his time with Shrewsbury, Plymouth and Barnet, Currie has had his fair share of setbacks - but he feels his own career is proof that hard work pays off in the end.

"I have been relegated a few times but I have never beat myself up about it. I am critical of myself if I don't play well but I always judge myself over a season," he said.

"This season has been quite a rocky up and down year but I have made sure I have remained a good pro, looked after myself and done things right.

"Maybe that is why I am getting this little reward with Derby now. It just shows you never know what is around the corner so you have to keep doing what is right for yourself."