Jake Buxton says Derby County's players are relishing the prospect of taking on Championship leaders Newcastle United at Pride Park on Tuesday evening.
The Magpies are three points clear of West Bromwich Albion at the summit of the Championship as they seek an instant return to the Premier League.
The Rams kept Chris Hughton's side out at St James' Park in December in a goalless draw in front of the Sky TV cameras and Buxton is confident Derby can rise to the occasion again, as they have against the top sides in the Championship this season.
"Our performance at St James' Park was excellent and that gives us a great deal of heart going into tomorrow's game," Buxton told dcfc.co.uk.
"It seems we rise to the big occasions and we hope we can once again against Newcastle.
"We've done it against the likes of Forest and West Bromwich Albion this season already, and we are all confident and believe we can do it again tomorrow night.
"We just have to keep doing what we have been doing in recent weeks and play at high tempo, and stop the opposition from playing.
"There are high expectations for Newcastle; they are expected to come here and win.
"The challenge is there for us to cause an upset, and we're relishing the battle."
Watch more from Jake Buxton in a Rams Player exclusive interview later today.
