Gary Rowett has backed his substitutes to continue to make an impact as Derby County look to make it four wins on the bounce when they face Leeds United on Tuesday night.
The Rams produced an outstanding away performance to beat Norwich City 2-1 at Carrow Road, with Sam Winnall coming off the bench to bag the winner just seven minutes from time.
Chris Martin also came on to affect proceedings as he played a key role in the winner, and Rowett is hopeful that his full squad can continue to make the difference as Derby look for successive away wins for the first time since April 2016.
He told RamsTV: “They came onto the pitch and they had an effect. We’ve seen it before where players come on with a poor attitude because they’re disappointed that they’re not starting, and they let that frustration affect the performance.
“But we’ve seen a few times now, where our substitutes have made an impact and they work hard for the team.
“Sam runs back to make tackles, and he and Chris showed us what they’re both capable of. It gives us food for thought, it gives you options if they can affect the game.”
Rowett recalled a thrilling game from 1997, when the Rams went 3-0 up at Elland Road, only to be pegged back and eventually beaten after Lee Bowyer’s late winner.
The boss expects a hostile atmosphere on Tuesday, but he has backed his side to build on Saturday’s superb away win.
He said: “Whenever anyone mentions Elland Road, I remember that fateful night that we went 3-0 up, then Harry Kewell scored just before half time and the crowd lifted.
“They scored the equaliser in the 82th minute and you knew what was coming. The atmosphere was electric and they scored the winner to make it 4-3.
“It was a really hostile environment, we know what it’s like there. They’re not in great form but I’m sure they will be highly motivated so we have to go there and do another fantastic job.”
Rowett also provided an update on the fitness of his squad, after Johnny Russell missed the Norwich clash after picking up an injury last week.
On Russell, he added: “It will probably be a little bit too soon, but we’ll check this morning and see how he is. He’s made good progress since the injury and we don’t think it’s too serious.
“Vydra felt his calf in training the day before, and then in the game, so we’ll see how he reacts.”
