Gary Teale says the fierce competition for places at Derby County will bring out the best in the Rams squad.

With several players working their way back to full fitness from the lengthy injury list Manager Nigel Clough is beginning to have options at his disposal.

On the eve of Derby's home game with Reading Teale believes that the battle for first-team places is nothing but a good thing.

Gary told Rams Player: "Competition for places is heating up and with a lot of players coming back it is really healthy.

"I am sure the Gaffer will relish having a near-full squad to choose from, so that makes things a bit sharper and has lads looking over their shoulder and knowing they have to play well to stay in the team.

"It isn't that people aren't giving it their all anyway, but with more players coming back things do become sharper and it is only healthy for everyone."

Looking ahead to the visit of Reading tomorrow Teale has dismissed claims that the game is a 'six pointer' in November.

"People are saying it is a six-pointer, but it is still really early in the season and a little too early to be talking about that," he said.

"The fact is we're at home and it is an opportunity to pull away from Reading, and hopefully by taking the game to Reading we can get the three points.

"We can't put our finger in the contrast in fortunes between our home and away form, but with 30,000 behind you it doesn't do anything but help you get on the front-foot.

"We know the onus is on us to attack from the off and that is of course what we will be doing, and hopefully that positive play can transpire into our away form."

Watch an exclusive interview with Gary on Rams Player right now to preview the home game with Reading.