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Derby County head coach Paul Warne has compared Curtis Nelson to a gladiator after the central defender signed a contract extension at Pride Park.

Since arriving from Blackpool on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, Nelson has featured in every game of the 61 league matches he has been available for.

"He’s played virtually every minute in the league for me since I’ve been in charge," Warne told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio Derby ahead of the Rams trip to Preston North End on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"He’s been a brilliant gladiator on the pitch."

The 51-year-old added it was a straightforward decision to offer Nelson a one-year agreement, which will take his current deal to the end of June 2026.

"It wasn’t a very difficult one, the door wasn’t locked on either side for me, his agent or himself," Warne added.

"We spoke at the end of the season and I said in the typical manager terms that I would sort him out.

"He was never any trouble, he never knocked my door down, so he was nothing but a professional and hence why I want to keep him here."

"I know you can have defenders with different attributes but, for me, they have to defend first and then everything else is a Brucie Bonus and he’s definitely, I think, improved on the ball as well."

Warne also commended Nelson's leadership qualities in a young squad which has adapted well to life back in the Championship, where they currently sit 12th.

"What he’s like off the pitch, is perfect," Warne said. "He’s excellent in the gym, he looks after himself, football means something to him.

"He gets luggy in training if someone nutmegs him - he's everything you want in a footballer".