CRAIG Forsyth is developing into a top Championship defender, says Derby County head coach Steve McClaren.
The Rams left-back was ever-present last season and he has started both wins this season, against Rotherham United and Carlisle United.
McClaren points to the away defeat by Queens Park Rangers at the beginning of November as a turning point in Forsyth's form.
Derby lost 2-1 and the player had a tough afternoon.
The Championship fixture was McClaren's fourth game in charge and he watched Forsyth's eagerness to bomb forward from left-back.
"We said 'you cannot do that all the time. We know you can go forward but concentrate on the defending first'," McClaren recalled.
"Since that day, he has toughened up. He's worked tirelessly in the gym, he's quicker, his concentration has improved and he is now becoming a good defender.
"That is why he has now got a Scottish cap – they've recognised it."
Forsyth made his debut for Scotland when he came off the bench against Nigeria at Craven Cottage in May.
McClaren says the 25-year-old has work to do but the player's progress has pleased the boss.
Forsyth started his career as a left-sided midfielder or left winger.
"He has moved to left-back and it can be difficult but the priority of a defender is to defend and the main thing to do is not get beaten one-on-one," said McClaren.
"I think that QPR game was a turning point.
"In the next game, at home to Sheffield Wednesday, he was up against Michail Antonio. I said to Fozzy, 'if you can mark him out the game, we'll win'.
"He did and gave us a good platform to go on and win
3-0."
Forsyth signed a new four-year deal with the Rams in June.
