Earnshaw must impress Rams boss

Earnshaw must impress Rams boss

It`s not been a happy time for Robert Earnshaw in his time at Pride Park, and he has started only three matches – two in the Premier League – and has yet to score in a Rams shirt.

The Rams record signing has been told he must pull his socks up if he wants to break into the Derby County team.

Rams boss Paul Jewell told the Welsh international some home truths ahead of tonight’s FA Cup third round replay against Sheffield Wednesday and demanded more effort from the £3.5m striker whose move from Norwich City in the summer has been disappointing.

His last start was in the Carling Cup defeat by Blackpool almost five months ago and Jewell gave the former Cardiff City, West Brom and Canaries striker some advice.

“How long has Rob been here? Since August? He has certainly had more than two minutes to make a point,” said Jewell.

“I think Rob has to look at himself and ask why he is not in the team.

“It is not just me, he wasn’t in the team with Billy Davies either.

“Robert Earnshaw has got a lot of ability but I think he needs to look at himself and start putting a bit more of a shift in because he should be knocking on the door to get in the team.

“He has played for West Brom, Norwich and Derby. He has all the attributes but I think, and I’ve said this to him, he needs to ask a bit more from himself.”

Jewell’s criticism increases the uncertainty over the Welsh international’s future at Pride Park.

One of his old clubs, Cardiff City, is keen to sign the 26-year-old on loan but the Rams has ruled out such a move.