Despite Derby drama Knight content in Wayne's world

Jason Knight harbours the highest of ambitions in the game, whether playing in the Premier League or being the main man in midfield with a team built around him.

But for now, the genial 21-year-old Dubliner is happy to take on each challenge as it presents itself, whether that involves a move away from Derby County ahead of the new season, or playing in Ireland's upcoming Nations League fixtures.

The conclusion of a turbulent season at club level, which ended up with relegation from the Championship to League One, means Knight can now enjoy the next few weeks among friends, safe in the sanctuary of international football back home.

A club in the headlines for the entire season, Derby County were on the brink of extinction, docked 21 points and eventually ran out of time, finishing seven points from safety and duly relegated.

Throughout the trauma, Knight was thankful that he was able to focus on the football, while he knew the people who were really suffering were the residents of the city and the club’s supporters.

And his own performances were among the few shining lights all season, which is one of the main reasons that he is now deemed a man on the move as his club slide into the third tier of English football.

"I’ve still got another year at Derby so at the moment I’m still there," said Knight, when asked where he would be next season.

"Obviously, everyone knows it’s been a tough year with things behind the scenes at Derby. I’ve played my part, I’ve played a lot of games so I was happy with that aspect but what the future holds I don’t know.

"It’s been difficult, I think more so for the fans and the people around the city. For us as players all we could focus on was the playing aspect of it and the people higher up needed