Eiran Cashin - "As a centre back, all I do is tackle, head it, shout at people, make others do the running."

Derby County defender Eiran Cashin has opened up about his time at the club and what it was like making his breakthrough into the first-team squad as well as the club's relegation along with his goals for next season.

The 20-year-old Irish centre-back has made 18 appearances for the Rams this season. His performances since coming in have been excellent, excellent enough to get a call up to the Ireland U21s.

But Cashin has had to wait for his debut into the first team because the club's transfer embargo meant he could not be registered as a player.

"I got told I wasn't allowed to play because of the transfer embargo and then we went into administration, which is terrible for the club, a real low moment," he said.

"For me and for Liam Thompson who both were affected with this transfer embargo, when that was lifted, that meant we were now allowed to play.

Cashin also explained what it was like when he was given the nod to make his first start for the club following his debut, a substitute appearance against Blackpool in December.

Cashin said: "I have been training with the first team but playing with the U23 and then I went to a meeting because before training, we will meet and build up for a game and watch clips from the opposition, so we know what we do when we go out for training.

"Before the Peterborough game, he [Wayne Rooney] put the team up and I saw my name amongst the squad that said I was starting. He did not tell me or anything.

"I was shaking because I had no idea. It was a great moment, very nervous. I don't think I slept so much in my life in the 24 hours before the game.

"I was just trying to do all the right things, eat properly, sleep properly. I did not want to tell anyone because I was so nervous, but it was a really good experience."

Unfortunately for Cashin, his performances since breaking through have not been enough to keep Derby County up in the Championship as the Rams will play in the third division for the first time since 1986.

Despite relegation and the amount of uncertainty happening off the pitch, Cashin believes the togetherness between the fans, the players and everyone involved with the club has never been so strong.

"I think Curtis Davies put it in a good way. We lost 4-1 to Middlesbrough and we got clapped off the pitch. We lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, we got clapped off the pitch. We get relegated at QPR, we got clapped off the pitch. That just shows how together we are," he said.

"They [the fans] know, without the 21-point deduction, we would have stayed up and with a young squad, we have done all we could. Unfortunately, it just wasn't quite enough.

"I think we have brought the fans and players together and that helped with the club staff, the gaffer, the academy staff. It brought everyone together and hopefully that is something we can continue into next year and try and get back into the Championship."

With no current owner at the club at present, some of the players might have to look for other options if they don't get re-signed for next season.

Despite relegation to League One and the uncertainty of what is going to happen to the club in the immediate future, all Cashin wants to do now is play games for Derby County to push on next season for an instant return to the Championship.

Cashin explained: "There is a bit of uncertainty with not having a new owner yet. As players, some of us are out of contract and we are not sure what that means for us, hopefully, we can get re-signed, but we must look at other options if that does not happen.

"I have been here, grew up here and I have loved playing here so hopefully, we can get that sorted but ultimately, my goals are to play as many minutes as possible as a young lad.

"I just want appearances. For me, that's worth more than money at my age. Having enough appearances at my age will get you a new contract, wherever it is.

With the summer fast approaching, Cashin has explained his desire to be involved in Ireland under 21's camps coming up as well as preparing himself to be in the best possible shape to start next season.

"I've got a big summer coming up, hopefully, I can keep fit," he said.

"There's a few Ireland under-21 camps coming up so hopefully I can get involved in them and get the call-up but that's all up to me. I have always dreamt of playing for Ireland.

"Hopefully, I can have a good summer and then get back right at it come to the start of next season."