Central defender Christophe Berra has reflected on his unexpected status as the club’s top goalscorer on the eve of Town’s visit to Derby, against whom the Scot netted both home and away last season.

Berra, who failed to find the target in more than 150 appearances for previous club Wolves, has so far grabbed seven goals in a half-century of outings for Town.

He opened the scoring in the 4-4 draw at Derby in October last year and clinched a dramatic 2-1 win over the Rams in the very last minute when the teams met in the return fixture at Portman Road in March.

Berra, who scored both his goals this season in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham earlier this month, recalled: “It was my full league debut against Birmingham last year when I scored my first goal for the club.

“I don’t really know, maybe that gives you a bit of confidence. You go up for the set pieces, you are in the right place at the right time and it just seems to keep on going for you. I’m glad it has happened and hopefully I can add a few more throughout the season.

“I’m always having a go up front when we play small-sided games in training and Gerks likes to have a go at me. It’s enjoyable. As a defender I’m used to heading the ball and kicking it but when you train you don’t always have to train as a defender, so it’s good to score a few goals if you can in training. That’s why you play the game really.”

After last season’s five-goal tally Berra, in common with his team-mates, has been set a new target by boss Mick McCarthy for the current campaign. But he added with a smile: “I’ll keep my target to myself for now. If I hit that target I’ll let you know.”

Berra took just seven minutes to give Town the lead at Derby last term but despite leading 4-1 at half-time they had to settle for a point as the Rams staged a second-half recovery that reaped three further goals.

He said: “It was very strange. In the first half we played really well and got off to a great start but in the second half it was backs to the wall. They changed, they gambled and it paid off for them.

“Both games against Derby were so tough and competitive and when you came off the pitch at the end you knew it had been a tough 90 minutes. I would expect the same again going up there on Saturday.

“Hopefully it won’t happen again but you just never know in football. I’d much prefer to come back with three points from a comfortable win but, let’s be honest, we all know it will probably be another tough game.

“They have started the season well, they have a good attacking team and in front of a big crowd of 25,000 or so they will be expecting the three points. Last season, after we had a difficult start, our away record wasn’t that bad. We need to go there in the right frame of mind and try to get the three points.”

Meanwhile, Berra, who is in the final year of his Town deal and was understood to have begun talks regarding a new deal earlier in the summer, says there is nothing new on his contract situation.

He explained: “We’re just concentrating at the moment on trying to get off to a good start this season. From a personal point of view I’m trying to maintain my consistency and play well.

“As a footballer you like to have a bit of security and I’m no different. We’ll just see what the coming months bring.”

Manager Mick McCarthy wouldn't be drawn when quizzed on extending Berra’s deal at yesterday's press conference: “Let’s get the game out of the way first because I’ve got no interest in that. That hasn’t crossed my mind this week.”

Photo: Action Images

Pilgrimblue added 12:17 - Aug 29 My worry is that all this focus on Berra is more likely to lead to his transfer to premiership club rather than Smith. So expect something to happen in next few days for sure leaving town in much weaker position so hope MM is ready to find replacements!!
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