"There Are Crucial Points On Offer Over The Next 10 Days"

It’s the business end of the Sky Bet Championship season and Frank Lampard believes the next 10 days could be pivotal to where Derby County end up at the start of May.

And the manager is positive heading into this weekend’s clash against strugglers Bolton Wanderers.

The Rams suffered a setback midweek as they were beaten 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, however, a win on Saturday will close the gap on the play-off places due to Aston Villa and Bristol City facing each other.

Derby’s last game at Pride Park was a 6-1 victory over Rotherham United at the end of the March and Lampard is in high spirits heading into the game.

“I am very positive going into the weekend,” he told RamsTV. “We have to concentrate on what we can do, and I know what this squad can do.

“Bolton are in a tough position and lets not shy away from it, it is a game that we really want to win.

“There have been some really good performances at Pride Park. The 6-1 win over Rotherham is still fresh in our minds and we played very well that day. If we play like that we will beat most teams in this league, so we know what we need to do.

“It has come late but there are crucial points on offer over the next 10 days. It is a busy week and it needs to start at Bolton.

“The lads have had a little bit of time in between with some time to work then there are two big games in close proximity where again there are points on the table for us. It is important that we go into it with a positive attitude and an attitude of togetherness as a club.”

Lampard wants that positivity to transcend into the supporters who have been in great voice in recent fixtures, especially in the victory over the Millers.

“Sticking together is the key at all times and we know that within the group,” he said. “We know that we weren’t happy the other night and we know what we are capable of, so that is important to us.

“I know we will have the backing of the fans because the crowd this season, travelling fans and home fans, the fans at Rotherham were part of the process in winning that game comfortably. I fully expect them to be in that form and more importantly I expect the players to be in form.”

In terms of team news, left-back Scott Malone will remain out of action after being forced off in the 3-3 draw at Brentford.

“He will miss the weekend,” he commented.

“It is a rib injury so it is very painful for him at the moment. We are monitoring it as we go along.”