3/1 To Win
Defender Lee Buchanan knows Derby County need to respond to Tuesday night’s defeat against Cardiff City in this weekend’s Sky Bet Championship clash against Coventry City (3pm kick-off).
The Rams travel to Birmingham City’s St. Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium to take on the Sky Blues aiming for a positive response following a 4-0 defeat in South Wales during midweek.
A double from Leandro Bacuna, whilst goals from Kieffer Moore and Will Vaulks, secured the win for Mick McCarthy’s side, whilst Derby were left licking their wounds.
The defeat, however, was only Derby’s third in 10 games, having won six of those encounters to guide them up the league standings.
Wayne Rooney’s side have an opportunity to put things right on Saturday as they take on Mark Robins’ Coventry side, who sit just below them in the table.
Derby have reacted well to defeats under Rooney, claiming all three points from games after recent setbacks, and Buchanan is hoping for the same this weekend.
“It was tough on Tuesday and we knew that going into the game,” the defender told RamsTV. “We went there with a game plan and it didn’t quite work how we hoped, but we are ready to react on Saturday.
“It is important to do that. The games come quickly in this league and I think we all know that we have got the quality in the squad to put it right on Saturday and we are looking forward to trying to do that.
“It is a big game and we are ready to put it right. All the lads are ready to get back out there and put on a performance for ourselves and the fans.
“Coventry will be a tough game. They are in a similar position to us and we will be looking to get three points on Saturday.”
On a personal level, the defender is enjoying a fruitful season of his own. After working hard to cement a place in the team, he has also earned international recognition with England at youth international level.
He was called up to Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21s side for their November international fixtures and made his full debut in a 5-0 victory over Albania at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium.
So far this season, Buchanan has made 29 appearances for Derby, which is one of the highest amongst the squad, and the Academy graduate believes he is developing each time he steps foot on the pitch.
“I have more appearances and starts than I would have set out to make at the start of the season,” he said.
“I have to keep my head down and keep working hard. I am only young and still got a lot of improvements, but I think that comes with experience and time as well, so I just must stick in there.
“From the start of the season I think I have come on quite a lot. I think it comes with the more games you play, the more used to the league and number of games you become.
“I was in and around it last season, I made a few appearances, but I had a few injuries. I came into pre-season feeling fit with no niggles or injuries and I thought if I came back as fit as possible and kept my head down then I would give myself the best chance possible.
“It is quite demanding on the body. I think it is important how you recover after games and in the days after - how your diet it, when you come in, treatment, recovery - so I think that side is important, but I have not found it that bad. I am only 19, young, so one day recovery is fine for me.”
Rams boss Rooney has praised the defender in recent weeks for his impressive displays at first-team level.
“He is very good with the young lads, he speaks to you and he has loads of experience as well,” Buchanan admitted. “I do still pinch myself a little bit playing for me.
“After he made one of the comments (about Buchanan’s performances), he came and spoke to me about it and it is what you always like to hear.
“I think we have just got to keep our heads down, keep doing what we are doing and those opportunities will come.”
