One good aspect to a 13-day gap between semi and final is that it has given the Rams plenty of time to prepare for their Wembley date with destiny.

Derby face West Bromwich Albion on Monday for the right to win promotion to the Premiership.

The play-off final is billed as "the richest match in history" due to the financial rewards on offer in the top-flight from next season.

And for Derby boss Billy Davies, it's been a case of being as thorough as possible as he readies his players to take on the Baggies.

"It's been a period of excellent preparation," he told www.dcfc.co.uk.

"We have analysed things at length, we've worked extremely hard and the players are in great spirits.

"Our message to them is that they must look forward to it - we are here on merit, and now we find ourselves 90 minutes from Premiership football.

"There is a 50/50 chance and it's all to play for."

The break between games has given Davies the chance to make sure his players are fighting fit.

A number of squad members have been carrying little niggles in recent weeks while some are returning to full fitness after injury problems.

The players had a few days off after the epic semi-final victory over Southampton and have this week got right down to business.

As well as training at Moor Farm and Wednesday's session at Pride Park, Davies has taken his squad away from Derby to prepare in a different environment.

And the gaffer can see the benefits.

"The break has been good because it allowed us to work on the likes of Giles Barnes, Paul Peschisolido, Stephen Pearson, Michael Johnson and other players.

"We've been able to give them extra training to get them fitter and ready for the play-off final.

"At this moment we find ourselves with a clean bill of health.

"We've been preparing and analysing constantly and that will continue between now and Monday.

"It's 11 against 11, their good players against our good players, and on the day it's a 50/50 chance for one of these teams to go up and get that Premiership spot."