Derby County midfielder Conor Hourihane is expecting a real 'big game feel' when the Rams visit Portsmouth in Sky Bet League One on Friday night (8pm kick-off).

The two teams go into the match level on points with Derby just one place behind their hosts in the league table.

Hourihane sat down with RamsTV to preview the clash at Fratton Park, the current schedule and more.

On the current schedule...

It's been pretty relentless with a lot of away games and another one on Friday night at Portsmouth, but if you ask any player I'm sure they'd rather have more games than more training sessions.

The more matches that come our way, yes it's challenging on the squad, as a player you want to be involved in as many games as possible. It's been a busy time but a brilliant time as well.

On how he spends his time on the away games...

A few of us play cards and I'm doing a bit of coaching at the minute so the few hours I do get back in the room I'm concentrating on that and that side of things. It's something I'm very passionate about so those are the two things I probably do the most.

On coaching...

I've always wanted to go into it. I've completed my B Licence and I'm starting my A Licence in January. It's slowly but surely setting myself up for when I hang the boots up.

As I get older, you hear a lot of people saying make sure you're ready when you finish. I know I'm still only 31 but I'm one of those guys that likes to be really organised. I'm a bit obsessed with it now I've started to be honest but it's something I'm excited for and preparing for as the years go on.

On the recent run of form...

We've done OK. There was the change of shift from managers which takes a little bit of time and we've had a lot of injuries.

The schedule is that intense that we haven't really had the chance to put some of the gaffer's ideas into action.

The more games that have come, the more lads know the ideas that the gaffer has and I think we're going in the right direction.

On Portsmouth...

It will be a really tough game. They are going well and are just above us in the league. Fratton Park at any stage in the season is difficult.

Friday night on Sky Sports and under the floodlights is going to add that little bit more spice. There's no Championship or Premier League at the minute so there will be a few more eyes on it.

It's going to be a really good one, one that will be enjoyable to play in and hopefully we come out on top.