Winnall: “Everyone Is On Such A High”

Sam Winnall says Derby County’s players are motivated to maintain their impressive run of form.

Derby claimed 16 points from a possible 18 during December to move into second place in the Sky Bet Championship table, before starting 2018 with a 1-1 draw at home to fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United on New Year’s Day.

Winnall played his part in the Rams’ fine run of form by scoring twice as the side rounded off 2017 with a 2-1 victory at Ipswich Town.

The frontman, on loan from Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday for the entire campaign, says the mood is naturally high in the camp - but insists there’s also a real desire amongst the group to keep their foot on the gas.

After taking a break respite from their league programme last weekend and pushing Manchester United all the way in a late 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford in the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup, Derby head to Birmingham City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

The Blues, buoyed by back-to-back wins either side of the New Year in the league, are one point adrift of safety in the Championship’s bottom three.

Winnall is, however, convinced Gary Rowett’s side are hitting their peak performance, with Derby proving in recent weeks they are capable of finding different ways to win games.

He told dcfc.co.uk: “December was a tough month for us in terms of the matches that we had, but we’ve come away from it with some brilliant results.

“The mood in the camp is just great. Everyone is on such a high because the team is playing well, solid defensively and scoring goals.

“It just seems like we’ve hitting our peak performance; long may it continue. When I joined we were in mid-table and now we’re right up there, so we can be pleased with how we’ve done so far this season.

“We have got ourselves in a good position now and it’s important we try and maintain it. We’re motivated to make it happen.”

Winnall, 26, has scored seven times in 14 appearances for Derby since joining at the end of August, helping the side to three wins and a draw when he has been on the scoresheet.