Cocu Encouraged By Derby’s Competition For Places

Phillip Cocu says he’s encouraged by the competition for places within his Derby County squad.

Derby have won their last three games in all competitions and head into Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough in the Sky Bet Championship (3pm kick-off) in buoyant mood.

Another reason to feel positive is the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to injuries within the Rams’ camp.

Tom Huddlestone and Matt Clarke returned to the squad over the festive period after spells out of action and have played their part in the side’s good recent form.

The likes of Mason Bennett, Graeme Shinnie and George Evans are progressing well in their rehabilitation programmes too and could return to training in the near future.

In addition, Wayne Rooney also made his long-awaited Derby debut after officially being registered as a player at the start of the transfer window.

After the back-to-back wins over Charlton Athletic and Barnsley either side of the New Year, Cocu shuffled his pack for the FA Cup Third Round victory at Crystal Palace by making nine changes.

Those that came into the side staked their claim for a place in the side and the Derby boss believes the competition for places is gathering pace.

Cocu told RamsTV: “We have some injured players coming back so they give us more options to choose from.

“Tom Huddlestone returned last week, Matt Clarke is fit again and hopefully Mason Bennett, Graeme Shinnie and George Evans will be available in a few weeks too.

“Then everybody has to step up to even be on the teamsheet.

“That is a positive thing because we need that towards the end of the season with all the games coming up.

“We need everybody at their best and they know they have to show their best effort and form to get in the team.”

He added: “No-one can switch off a little bit because of the competition.

“There was a period where we struggled with the number of players available, but things look better now and hopefully it stays that way because it will be positive for the team.”

Cocu utilised a midfield combination of Huddlestone and Rooney at Crystal Palace and the experienced duo impressed as Derby deservedly progressed to the Fourth Round.

It was a pairing which has certainly provided the 49-year-old with food for thought.

He said: “It is a different style of football and different opponents (to the Championship) but it was good to see that they had a good combination.

“They are comfortable on the ball and have good decision making.

“Maybe the intensity of the game can be slightly different, but it was a pleasure to see how they played together and it is always an option for us.”

Derby’s full focus is now on the trip to Middlesbrough, who have been in excellent form of late.

Jonathan Woodgate’s side are on the up after a slow start to the campaign and have won four games in a row in the Championship.

That runs included a stunning 2-0 success at league leaders West Bromwich Albion over Christmas, while they held Premier League Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-1 draw in the Third Round of the FA Cup last weekend.

Cocu knows his side’s own good run, four games unbeaten and three wins in a row, will be put to the test against Boro – but he feels there’s good reason to approach the game in confident mood.

“If we can continue with the results we’ve picked up lately, and also how we have played with the bravery, the courage and the spirit we have shown, that would be great,” he said.

“You can see the reaction of the fans and that is very important for our team to feel the connection and it just pushed our team a little bit more forward.

“We will do everything to get the results we need to climb the table and make everybody proud.”