Derby County's new found reliance is something which manager Nigel Clough believes will be put to the test today.

The Rams visit West Bromwich Albion this afternoon in the Coca-Cola Championship.

As well as some clinical attacking play, Derby's recent rise up the table has owed a great deal to resilient and determined defending.

Against the Baggies at the Hawthorns this afternoon, Clough has challenged his players rise to the challenge.

"We're certainly looking harder to beat in recent weeks," Clough told Rams Player.

"We're not conceding too many chances and the opposition have to work hard to create their chances.

"Away from home, we want exactly the same.

"West Brom are one of the most free-flowing teams in the division, so we're going to have to be very resilient.

"At the other end we've been creating a lot of chances which is hugely encouraging.

"Chances may be harder to come by at the Hawthorns, so it may well be a case of remaining patient."

If the 2-2 draw between the two sides back at Pride Park in December is anything to go by, today's game could be a memorable one.

Clough said: "It was a cracker back in December, so if we have a similar sort of game we're in for a very exciting afternoon.

"If we had come away with nothing that day it would have been a travesty because we played exceptionally well.

"We want to take that sort of attitude into the away game.

"After that performance in December we didn't see it for a while and our standards dropped, but since Christmas we have produced performances like that on a more consistent basis."

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