Russell Calls On Rams To Maintain Their Standards

Johnny Russell has demanded that Derby County maintain their high standards when they take on Millwall this weekend.

Neil Harris’ Lions will head to Pride Park Stadium on Saturday (23rd December, 3pm) in the final round of Sky Bet Championship fixtures before Christmas.

Derby will go into the game off the back of an impressive run of form during December, racking up three wins in a row without conceding a goal.

Gary Rowett’s side will go into the festive period in the division’s top six - but Russell insists the Rams will not be getting ahead of themselves.

Ahead of the clash with Millwall, Russell has made it clear that Derby are set for a stern test against a side looking to claim their first away win of the campaign.

The 27-year-old told dcfc.co.uk: “Millwall got a great result against Middlesbrough last time out and it will be another difficult game for us.

“There are no easy games at all in the Championship and if you are to win, you need to earn the right.

“You can’t just turn up and expect to win, so we know the importance of being right at it.

“Millwall got a good draw at Villa in their last away game and they are a dangerous team.

“When we watched the clips on Villa we saw what Millwall were capable of and they hit them on the break a few times, so that’s something we need to be aware of.”

He added: “We need to have the same attitude as we’ve shown recently.”

Russell is pushing hard for a place in Rowett’s starting line-up following some impressive showing off the bench in recent weeks.

He came on to score the winner in the 1-0 victory against Burton Albion at the start of the month, while he was also on target in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa.

The frontman admits it’s important to have the right attitude and mentality when coming off the bench if he’s to force himself back into the side further down the line.

He said: “I am happy that I am coming on and playing my part for the team by getting a few goals.

“Obviously, I want to be starting and that’s the same for any player. The lads that are in the starting line-up are flying right now so I can’t really complain.

“It’s important when you’re on the bench to make sure you don’t sulk and play your part when called upon.

“I think I’ve done that recently and if that’s the case for the foreseeable future I will continue to do that.”