The only way Craig Forsyth wants to celebrate the turn of a new year is by beating a promotion-chasing rival when Derby County face Sheffield United today.
The Rams kick off 2018 by taking on Chris Wilder’s Blades at Pride Park Stadium and do so with the aim of maintaining their momentum and putting more ground between themselves and a top-six rival.
Craig Forsyth, who recently signed a new two-and-a-half year contract with the club, says Derby find themselves in a good place heading into the second half of the campaign and has been pleased with the signs the side has been displaying.
Amongst those has been the ability to pick up points even when they are not at their best.
“Right now, we’re on a terrific run,” Forsyth said.
“We’re picking up points and what is a good sign, although we didn’t play well on the day, that was the case when we got a point at Hull City on Boxing Day.
“That’s a great quality to have at this level. As a team, defensively we have been solid. Everyone is working so hard on that front and we’re getting our rewards with the clean sheets.”
After a near-perfect December, Gary Rowett’s side will be looking to gain revenge when they take on Sheffield United.
The Rams fell to a 3-1 defeat at Bramall Lane at the end of August, but Derby have proven to be a completely different proposition four months on.
Forsyth sees Monday’s game as a big year to begin the New Year with.
However, no-one in the Rams’ camp will be getting carried away as results continue to cause a stir in the division.
“They haven’t managed to pick up the results recently, but they got a big win over Sunderland and a point at Aston Villa and showed they are a quality team,” Forsyth said about Sheffield United.
“It’s a big game for us to begin the New Year with, but it’s another opportunity to try and take some points away from one of our rivals.
“Because of the results we have had over the last three months, people are beginning to talk about us, but we know in the dressing room that we haven’t achieved anything yet.
“The only thing we are all focused on is making sure that we continue to keep picking up points and let’s see where it takes us.”
