Derby County First Team Coach Matt Hamshaw is hoping the Rams can use Torquay United's last minute exploits from the last meeting as fuel going into the Emirates FA Cup First Round Replay at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday evening (7:45pm kick-off).
A last gasp equaliser from the National League outfit, in a 2-2 draw earlier this month, ensured they earned a replay in Derbyshire and Hamshaw is looking to use that as motivation when the Gulls come to town.
Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the clash, the First Team Coach reflected on last weekend's 3-1 Sky Bet League One victory at MK Dons and previewed Tuesday's FA Cup replay - with a trip to League Two Newport County on offer to the winners.
On moving into the top six at the weekend…
We’re still a long way from where we want to be and the lads are fully aware of that and the lads think there’s still improvement to come from them.
As starts go, we’re relatively happy. We feel we’ve missed a few opportunities to pick more points up than we probably should have done but on the other hand some teams have missed chances against us so, all in all, it’s not too bad of a start.
On Jake Rooney’s league debut…
It doesn’t matter where it is, your league debut is a game you’ll never forget in your career.
Jake could go on to achieve unbelievable things but he will always remember Saturday and that’s what it’s all about. It’s all about memories and creating things and we made a bit of a big thing pushing him towards the fans after. It was an unbelievable day for him but it always helps when you win a game of football.
He understands what we’re looking for. He trains unbelievably well which is a good indicator that he’s ready. At this moment in time that shirt is his but as we know in football, somebody will come along and want it and that’s what we want here; real competition.
On Tuesday night's cup meeting with Torquay…
We’re disappointed that we didn’t come away with the win at Plainmoor. Obviously the red card to Eiran Cashin affected the game and gave them momentum.
We’ve got memories of all their fans running on the pitch at the end of the game too which is great for the FA Cup but when you’re in the opposition, not so much. It’s great motivation being the underdog but we want to get them back here now and go again.
On returning to Pride Park Stadium…
I’m struggling to find my way to the ground to be honest after so long on the road! I’m used to going to the training ground and jumping on the team coach to our next away game.
It will be nice to be back home. We’ve not had many home matches and last time we were there, against Bristol Rovers at the end of October, we won - so we’re looking to make it a bit of a fortress.
