Nigel Clough believes the incentive is there for Derby County to put even more distance between themselves and Sheffield Wednesday when the two sides meet at Hillsborough this afternoon.

Derby are four points clear of the Owls, who sit 20th in the Championship and a point above the relegation zone.

A victory for the Rams would extend that gap to a much healthier seven points, and Clough says the game doesn't need building up too much.

"We don't want to build up the game too much, but we want the players to be aware of the importance of every game," Clough told Rams Player.

"We don't want the players to be too tense and nervous; the message from us will be to go out relaxed and play.

"The significant thing is we can really pull away if we win; the incentive is there for us.

"We realise that, and if we win it will put us in a good position for the last eight games to secure safety.

"It is just another game; there are eight games left to play after today so nothing will be decided on this one game.

"If worst comes to worst and we lose, we have eight games to get three more wins to see us safe."

Wednesday have lost just one of their last four and Clough knows the Owls will not lie down and let the Rams take the points easily.

"Wednesday beat Leicester at home a few weeks ago and have been in decent form," he said.

"They seem to have picked up from a dip in form they had, so we know it will be a tough game."

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