Darren Wassall is looking for another display of ‘discipline, determination and togetherness’ when his Under-23s take on East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup.
The Rams take on the Reds at Pride Park Stadium – a game that is free for supporters to attend – looking to maintain their impressive run of six wins from seven outings in all competitions, kick-off: 7pm.
No matter what age you are, Wassall says that derby fixtures always come with the same hype, intensity and meaning and Derby’s academy director wants his players to rise to the occasion.
He told RamsTV: “The Forest game is coming just before the international break for us so for us, it’s a case of trying to pick up from where we left off against Wolfsburg.
“I’m looking for the players to put in a really strong performance in terms of our work ethic, discipline, determination and togetherness, whilst at the other end, showing some quality as well.
“We know local derbies are always a little bit special, no matter what age you are. We saw what the atmosphere was like at Pride Park last month for the first team game and whilst there won’t be as big a crowd for this game, it’s just as big for the players as that one was.
“Hopefully we can keep our heads and put in another great performance.”
He added: “We’re not in the same league when it comes to Under-23s and Under-18s and the only time that we can play them at the moment is in the Premier League Cup or the FA Youth Cup.
“Forest are a very good academy and have got a very good academy manager in Gary Brazil. They have produced a lot of good players over the years, so we have to expect a tough test.
“It’s just as big an occasion for their young players as well as ours and it will be a good experience.”
