Craig Short has described tonight’s Premier League 2 Division 1 meeting against an unbeaten Liverpool as a ‘great challenge’ for Derby County’s young Under-23s squad.
The Reds head to St George’s Park boasting a 100 per cent winning League record so far this term to lead the Division 1 table – two points ahead of the reigning champions, Everton, although they have played a game less.
Along the way, Liverpool have conceded just three goals – two of which came in their last outing against Tottenham Hotspur – whilst Harry Wilson, their leading scorer, has also recently claimed the PL2 Player of the Month award for September after netting five goals during that period.
Without a doubt, this is Derby’s toughest challenge of the 2017/18 season to date, but they come into it in fine fettle themselves.
Darren Wassall’s side have won in their last three games, including the 2-1 victory over Real Union during the international break, and Short says the message to players ahead of tonight’s game is simple – rise to the challenge once more!
He told RamsTV: “They (Liverpool) have only conceded three goals and two of those came in one game!
“What it is, though, is another great challenge for our young players and this is why you want to get promoted – even at this level.
“Again, this month we have got some tough fixtures and it can be easy to get overawed. I remember a pre-season fixture we had last season when we were out in Portugal and we played Vitoria Setubal and before the game, the players were very nervous because they were coming up against a men’s team.
“It’s amazing how players raise themselves for those sorts of occasions. They did that night, they did last season and they have so far this season.
“The difference this season is that we are creating more opportunities from playing good football. Confidence is huge in that respect – it is any sport – and I think sides are seeing what we are capable of now.
“We want to scrap away for every point that we can, this is going to be a tough challenge, but it’s one we are ready for.”
Derby’s Under-23s are likely to be bolstered by the inclusion of Max Lowe and Jamie Hanson this evening.
The duo have both been ruled out with long-term injuries, but will step up their return to full fitness by starting tonight’s match against the Reds.
Speaking about Lowe and Hanson, Short added: “It’s been tough for those lads to get the injuries that they have had.
“I have worked with both of them and, again, they are very good footballers. It’s tough for them to get an opportunity because we have such a competitive first team squad so they need games.
“We will give them the minutes and give them the best opportunity possible to give Gary a difficult decision to make going forward.”
