Pre-Match Thoughts: Sibley Eyeing Papa Johns Trophy Progression

Louie Sibley says Derby County’s focus is firmly set on securing progression to the knockout stages of the 2022/23 Papa Johns Trophy.

Derby know that a victory in their final Northern Section - Group F tie against Manchester City Under-21s at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday evening (7pm kick-off) will book their spot in the next stage of the competition.

Paul Warne’s side have four points to their name already after a 3-1 success over Grimsby Town back August on home turf, as well as a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town earlier this month, and a win, either in normal time or on penalties, will confirm Derby’s progression.

Speaking to RamsTV to preview the Rams’ final Papa Johns Trophy group clash, attacking midfielder Sibley offered his reflections on Saturday’s 3-0 success at Accrington Stanley and also gave his take on life under new Head Coach Paul Warne in recent weeks.

On the win at Accrington Stanley…

It was a great game for the team and we had a massive support there too, which was incredible really. It was an end-to-end game at times, especially when you throw their two missed penalties into the mix, the first one which Joe Wildsmith saved. It was one that we enjoyed. Coming away with three points is always pleasing. You aren’t going to play pretty football every week and you have to dig in at times. We know it is ultimately about how many points you pick up at the end of the season and not how well you’ve played, so it was pleasing to get the win. It was a great team performance.

On being named in the starting line-up in the league for the first time in a month…

I was pleased to start and it was an opportunity for me. I knew it was a chance I had to take and overall I was happy with my performance. Hopefully I can get on a run now; I am hungry to play more games and I’m eager to impress. It was nice to be alongside Birdy and Knighty in midfield as it brought back some memories of playing for the Under-18s in the Academy. I was on set-pieces as well and that was something that I enjoyed. I will keep working on my delivery and we know how important they are in this league.

On the Papa Johns Trophy clash against Manchester City Under-21s…

It is another chance to play and we want to win. We know if we do that, we’re through to the next round. The gaffer spoke when he arrived about making sure we take every game seriously, so we want to put on a performance and get another victory. It is a new competition for us this year and, for me, I have played a lot in the cups this season. Every match is a chance to catch the eye and opportunities to impress always come around. We might be facing an Under-21 team from Manchester City, but they have very good players there and they are a top side at their level. We will prepare properly, like normal, and hopefully we can do what we need to do on the pitch.

On working under Paul Warne…

He’s been great with me and I’ve really enjoyed working under him sofar. He is a down to earth guy and experienced in League One. He stressed to us on Saturday the importance of getting the win and it was nice that he trusted me to be in the side, so I want to repay that faith. He’s spoken to me about things I can do to improve. The way he plays, with three in midfield, suits me really well and hopefully I can keep learning from him.