"We Will Focus On The Game"

Manager Frank Lampard wants his players to remain focused as he takes his Derby County side to the bet365 Stadium to face Stoke City on Wednesday night.

The Potters, managed by former Rams boss Gary Rowett, were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Tipped by many return to the Premier League at the first time of asking, Rowett’s men find themselves in 13th place after 18 games.

A number of draws have halted their progression up the table so far, but they are just eight points off the top six and Lampard knows Wednesday’s game pose a number of challenges.

“We will focus on the game as what it is which is a team that are strong in the league,” the manager told RamsTV.

“They have a lot of fresh Premier League players from last season and they’ve brought in some big players in the summer, so I know we are going to a place that has the manager who was here last season and that is always going to bring an extra edge to it.

“We must focus away from that but we will appreciate the big contingent of away fans like we did at Sheffield Wednesday, because it really helps.”

On Saturday, the Rams were cheered on by almost 3,000 supporters at Hillsborough and on Wednesday they will be supported by a similar number.

The Rams supporters have sold their entire allocation of tickets for the match at the bet365 Stadium and the manager wants his players to put on a display for those travelling.

“I went there countless years with Chelsea and it’s a very tough place to go, first and foremost,” he said. “The important thing is that we make the journey for our fans worthwhile.

“There are 3,000 or so that are coming so we need to perform at a level which makes them proud of their team.

“Our fans will sing and say whatever they want but generally what they will do is support us. We have to focus on the job in hand.

“We will analyse Stoke and I will try to prepare the team as well as I can and it’s up to the lads. It will be a big atmosphere and we need to use that in our favour.”