Not many fans would have dreamt that at this stage of the season that we would be in the play off picture nevermind in the running for an automatic promotion spot!
The win against QPR although not a classic was a big statement! It was probably our most important victory of the season. The players showed that they can grind out results against tough opposition. Before anyone points to the fact that Charlie Austin and Matt Phillips were missing for our visitors, they were still able to choose from a squad of experienced and expensive players.
The two key fixtures for me in the run in will be the visit to Burnley and the home match with the rivals from across Brian Clough Way, Nottingham Forest.
Burnley have a very good and well organised side. They outclassed us at the iPro and are the most impressive side to visit Derby in my opinion. We also haven't had much success or luck against them in recent years either.
The Key to their season will be keeping players like Sam Vokes, Danny Ings and Jason Shackell fit. They don't have a large squad, but so far haven't been too badly hit by injuries.
The home game with our red rivals will almost certainly be the most important and eagerly awaited clash in years. It probably the most significant game between the two in over thirty years.
Forest have invested heavily in their team this season. They haven't been as wreckless as some teams when the chequebook has been opened, but the wage bill is bound to be amongst the top few clubs in the division.
They have many million pound plus signings like Cox, Djebbour, Mackie etc and currently trail us by just one point.
They have recently lost Henry Lansbury to injury along with David Vaughan and they won't be back this season. The key to them continuing their impressive run will be Andy Reid not getting injured. He's been in form this season and is probably amongst the best midfielders in the division.
Games like these will be a real measure of how far Steve McClaren has taken Derby. Games like these are where we will need to be on top of our game and claim some some points.
Our league programme continues next Tuesday with a visit to Hillsborough where a resurgent Sheffield Wednesday await us. Three points is a must to continue our push for a top two place.
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