I struggled to adjust, admits Derby's Shaun Barker

I felt a bit of pressure when I first signed; it was big money they paid for me

Derby defender Shaun Barker

Shaun Barker admits he struggled to settle at Derby County but says he is starting to show some of his best form.

The defender joined for £1m from Blackpool in July and endured an injury-hit start to his Rams career.

But he has played 18 games since returning to the side following a thigh injury at the turn of the year.

He told BBC Radio Derby: "It was tough at the start but I'm starting to settle down, enjoy it a bit more and I feel a little bit more commanding."

The former Rotherham centre-half has also weighed in with three goals in his last 12 games and has played a key role in helping Nigel Clough's side stay out of the Championship drop zone.

But he is still not totally satisfied with his efforts.

"I still feel I can do better," Barker added.

"Last year at Blackpool - which is where I got all my plaudits from and people started to take notice - I played better than I have this season. I feel like I am getting stronger but I can do a better job for Derby."

606: DEBATE

For me...Barker is just one of the best signings I've seen in a Derby shirt since Jim Smith brought Stimac, Baiano, Eranio

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And he admits joining a side of Derby's stature has not been easy.

"It took a little bit of time for me to settle," Barker said. "It's a big club to come to.

"I've played a good few games in this league and done a good job for the teams I've played for.

"But I felt a bit of pressure when I first signed; it was big money they paid for me and there are 30,000 fans and there is the expectation of doing a little bit better than I did for Blackpool and Rotherham."

But a series of impressive displays prompted Clough to say that Barker has the leadership qualities to step into captain Robbie Savage's shoes as and when required.

"It's massive honour," Barker said. "He's spoken to me and said he wants me to be bit more commanding.

"And to say I could be skipper next year is massive compliment and I'll be honoured if I am."