Ex-Derby County star Shaun Barker is of the view that Rams midfielder Max Bird has been able to focus on his game more after sorting out his future.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Bristol City in the January transfer window and was loaned back to Derby until the end of the season.
On Tuesday, Bird scored a goal and assisted one to help Derby secure a 3-0 win over Exeter City at St. James’ Park.
Barker thinks that sorting out his future has helped Bird focus on helping the Rams achieve promotion this season and pointed out that he has laid out quality performances in recent games.
The former Derby star also added that Bird has displayed his professionalism this season and stressed that he has been massive during the key moments games.
“I think sometimes, for players individually, they just need to know what the next step is for them”, Barker told Rams TV.
“Obviously, with Max not signing, he has obviously signed elsewhere, but he knows he is here until the end of the season and he can just move forward.
“He can concentrate on the job at hand, which is to try and get this football club promoted.
“He has shown his professionalism, he has shown his quality in the last three or four games, the detail in key moments has been massive.”
Bird has netted five times while laying on seven assists in 27 league games this season and the Derby academy product will be determined to help the Rams earn promotion this season.
