Weekend Off!

No game for the Rams this weekend as the FA Cup resumes and maybe a time to look ahead to the last 17 games of the season.

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.

Window Closed

Now we can all concentrate on the action of the pitch instead of being distracted by the transfer window, let's have a look at our squad.

Lee Grant continues in goal with Adam Legzdins as cover. Grant has been superb at times and less convincing in other games. The signing of the highly rated Kelle Roos, indicates to me that we are looking to strengthen in this area.

Andre Wisdom has the Right Back position sewn up and if injured I'd expect a rapid recall from loan of Keiron Freeman.

Jake Buxton and Richard Keogh occupy the starting positions at the centre of defence and despite many people moaning and stating otherwise, Buxton hasn't played bad at all. Keogh has looked more like the player from last season recently too. Zak Whitbread and Mark O'Brien provide decent cover.

The left back position continues to worry me. Craig Forsyth is not a natural in the role and looks vulnerable against speedy wingers. For me this is a must fill position. 

The holding midfield role has been filled by John Eustace. His contribution has been vital in many games, but he does pick up more than his share of yellow cards and has looked tired in the last few games. George Thorne came in on loan and is a highly rated youngster. I expect Thorne to get the nod sooner rather than later.

Craig Bryson and Will Hughes must be automatic choices to start in midfield. Hughes has started to look like the promising player of last season again. Even when he has a quiet game, his passing is still good. Bryson is one of the best box to box midfielders in the country. Jeff Hendrick provides good cover. He does look to be struggling with getting match fit again though.

Moving on to the attack we are spoiled for choice. Chris Martin has been bagging goals along with Patrick Bamford. Bamford looks class! Dawkins and Ward add a threat going forward and both Johnny Russell and Conor Sammon have proven to be useful weapons from the bench.

I'm certain that a top six place us there for the taking, but to have a remote chance of automatic promotion, some work is needed in defence. Preferably a Left Back once the loan window opens.