Marshall: “We Have To Put Some Points On The Board”

Derby County goalkeeper David Marshall admitted that the next two games are ‘massive’ heading into the November international break.

The Rams face Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday (7:45pm kick off), whilst three days later they host Barnsley (3pm kick off).

Both matches are at Pride Park Stadium and points on the board could make all the difference for Derby as they look to climb the Sky Bet Championship table following a slow start to the campaign.

Whilst some results have not gone Derby’s there, there have been signs of encouragement in recent weeks following the return of key players form injury.

However, Marshall knows that his side need to start earning maximum points – after a run of three successive draws -to help them get to where they want to be later in the season.

The Scotland international believes that a positive week on the pitch could provide a welcome boost as the final international break of the calendar year approaches.

“It is a massive week,” Marshall admitted in his pre-match interview with RamsTV ahead of Wednesday’s game against QPR. “I think the international break in the Championship gives you time to reset and look to where you have been and how you have started the campaign.

“With the six points available, this week can put a different slant on our start. We are under no illusion that it is a massive week.

“We haven’t won at home yet and a lot of teams are going through that struggle with no fans in but I think we are used to it now and we have to put some points on the board.”

The performances have been there, but three consecutive 1-1 draws for Derby have seen them only pick up three points from a possible nine.

The Rams have taken the lead in each of the games against Nottingham Forest, Cardiff City and AFC Bournemouth but have not managed to hold on for the win.

“I thought we started the game really well on Saturday at Bournemouth, especially in the first half in how we thought it was going to go and how they played,” he said.

“I think we missed a few chances on the counter-attack as well so it was unfortunate we couldn’t take that. I think 2-0 changes the game at half-time.

“It was a good point in the end but only if we can go and win our home games this week.”

He added: “In the previous couple we have been ahead in games and had chances as well. I think with the lads coming back from injury now and playing, they are getting up to speed now, so I’m sure that will change in a couple of weeks.”