KIERON Freeman's 45-minute struggle against Burnley was no real surprise, all things considered.
The 21-year-old is learning his trade in the Championship, a harsh environment even for far more experienced players.
He has made only 43 senior starts in his career to date, 15 for Derby.
Freeman has come in for John Brayford, who was sold to Cardiff City. Brayford is 25 and is closing in on 300 senior games and has made 281 starts in his career.
Adam Smith caught the eye when he replaced Freeman at half-time but it must be remembered Smith, at 22, has 117 starts under his belt.
Smith would have started in Derby's team this season had he played more football for Tottenham Hotspur in pre-season prior to joining the Rams on a season-long loan.
Freeman was handed a start in the opening fixture against Blackburn Rovers and did well enough to keep his place.
He was always likely to have an off-day, a dip, because that is what can happen to young players. This is not a time to be harsh on him.
Some supporters felt Nigel Clough was overly critical of Freeman after the Burnley defeat but that did not come across in the manager's comments to me.
This was Clough's quote when I asked him about Freeman: "We felt both goals came from Kieron's area of the pitch and he should have done better but it is about the team as well and we never seemed to get going."
I would not say the comment is harsh and it came on the day Clough praised Freeman's performances in an article in the Derby Telegraph.
Clough did not just single out Freeman. The manager also criticised others, including Will Hughes, Craig Bryson and Paul Coutts.
Players have to take the rough with the smooth, that is football – a harsh environment.
