Shinnie: “The League Is So Competitive”

Derby County midfielder Graeme Shinnie is determined to end the latest block of fixtures before the November international break with a win which will see them move to within a point of this weekend’s opponents and local rivals Nottingham Forest.

The Rams head into this weekend’s East Midlands Derby in 15th position, however, that doesn’t paint the full picture.

Derby sit just four points off the Sky Bet Championship play-off places and only nine points off league leaders West Bromwich Albion.

It’s a tightly contested league this season, with most of the teams thinking they have a chance of promotion.

One of those teams are this weekend’s opponents Nottingham Forest, who sit in fiifth position at this early stage.

A victory for the Rams in Saturday’s early kick off will move them to within a point of their near neighbours.

“I had a look at the league table last Saturday and there is two or three points between about eight teams so like you can see, the league is so competitive,” Shinnie said, speaking to RamsTV ahead of the East Midlands Derby clash.

“A few wins will see you climb up the table and we could climb quite a bit if you get a good run going. I’ve said before, it’s important that we get some consistency going.

“We have been win, lose, win, lose, which isn’t too bad because you’re winning games but you want to go on a good winning run and pick up as many points as you can.”

Consistency is something which the Rams have struggled with so far this season.

Whilst their form at home has been good, their form away from Pride Park Stadium has been frustrating.

Four successive wins on home soil have helped Derby climb the table, however, they have struggled on the road with their only away win of the season coming on the opening day against Huddersfield Town.

Shinnie believes the Rams are close to turning the corner and this weekend could be the start of that.

“It’s been tough, especially in the games that I’ve played in,” he said. “Hull was different because we put so much into the game and played really well on the day but it went against us.

“We lost 2-0 and I didn’t think we deserved that but if you don’t take your chances or you don’t create enough then there is danger that the other team will go up and score goals and that’s what happens in this league.

“It’s important that we are more ruthless when we are on top and try and kill the game off.”