Andi aims to get the better of pal Barry

STRIKER Andi Weimann will be hoping to put one over old mate Barry Bannan when Derby make the testing trip to Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.

“When we were both at Aston Villa, Barry was my best mate and I still speak to him as much as I can,” said the Austria international. “He’s a very talented footballer – he has a great left foot and is a strong passer of the ball.

“It’s going to be a very entertaining game but we want to make sure we impose our style of football on them and bring home three points.”

Derby were in third place heading into the weekend and their 2-0 win at Hull last time out was another sign they are hitting top form under manager Paul Clement.

No wonder Weimann is loving life with the Rams after closing the book on his eight-year spell with Aston Villa in the summer.

He told The FLP:“Derby is a very exciting club to be at right now. After everything that has gone on in the summer in regards to loads of new signings, it’s given us a great chance to succeed in the league this season.

“I had eight years with Aston Villa and I was due a change. At the start of the season here I wasn’t playing as much as I wanted to because other players were playing well, but now I’m in the team and scoring a few goals I’m a lot happier.”

Weimann has been impressed with boss Clement too.

“It’s been great so far playing under him,” he said. “He’s brought in his own ideas from the clubs he’s been at – there aren’t many bigger in the world than Chelsea or Real Madrid!

“He’s got some great experience behind him and the players are always keen to listen whenever he gives you any advice. He’s really hungry to succeed as it’s his first job as a manager.”

Weimann is hoping to earn a place in Austria’s squad for next year’s Euros.

“I’ve got to keep my place in the team at Derby and score goals. Hopefully my best is enough to get into the squad.”