Freeman happy to be back

Freeman impressed hugely three years ago as a 19-year-old on the way up, but three years later he has fallen out of favour at Derby County and was grateful to return to the Stags until the New Year.

“It’s nice to be back and there are a few faces I remember here still,” he said.

“That was my first League game in about four months and I have only played two 90 minutes in that time, so I am looking forward to getting some games.

“I’ve not played for three weeks so I need games.”

Unfortunately for Freeman, Stags suffered a 1-0 home defeat by Accrington Stanley on his return yesterday.

“I thought we were unlucky,” he said. “We had chances in the second half but couldn’t score and had a man sent off - it was one of those days.”

Freeman went gone down in the box under a tackle but failed to get the penalty decision as Accrington converted the only goal of the game from the spot at the other end.

Stags were poor in the first half and, despite a much-improved second half, failed to find an equaliser.

“It happens sometimes in football. Sometimes you are quick out the blocks and sometimes slow,” he said.

“I thought I had won a penalty earlier. I got in front of the man with the ball and he took me and the ball as well. But the referee didn’t give it.”