Derby County manager Phillip Cocu will assess his squad ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup Second Round clash against local rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground - but has hinted at making changes for the game.
The Rams travel to the City Ground in the second round of the competition in Cocu’s first taste of an East Midlands derby (7:45pm kick-off).
And the manager has admitted he may make changes, but knows the importance of having a strong squad to choose from.
“We will see who is fit enough to play and to start but like I have said before we have a full squad and if they are fit and in good form then they can start,” he told RamsTV.
“This is part of football. You don’t have a squad of just eleven players. It is possible in the cup that some other players will have a start in our team. Against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, we played good football and that is what we have to do on Tuesday against Forest as well.”
In the First Round of the competition earlier this month, the Rams beat Sky Bet League Two side Scunthorpe United 1-0 at Glanford Park.
Cocu made 11 changes for that particular game and one of those proved to be the matchwinner.
Lee Buchanan, who was handed his professional debut after coming through Derby's Academy system, scored the only goal of the game.
That led to the youngster starting his first league game for he club against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday but the manager wouldn’t be drawn on who would play this evening.
However, he did admit he is likely to make changes.
“I don’t know yet how many, but there will be some changes,” he said. “The programme and the games coming up, there is really short notice.
“We have to be sure players are fit and we also have to look at the total schedule so everyone can give a good performance.
“We will prepare for the game and make sure that a good team will start.”