Pre-Match Thoughts: Warne Talks Transfer Window, Bird Injury And Morecambe Test

Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne says the squad are 'desperate for success' as they prepare to return to league action against Morecambe at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

The Rams go into the contest unbeaten in 14 Sky Bet League One fixtures whilst visitors Morecambe are also on a fine run - winning four of their last five.

The boss sat down with RamsTV to discuss the deadline day signing of Harvey White, Max Bird's injury and the threat Morecambe will pose on Satuday.

On Harvey White...

He's trained today and been really good. Obviously losing Max Bird to injury, Harvey is a perfect replacement so we're really lucky to get him and convince him to come. He's a really good footballer, another left-footer. He looks a bit too much like Louie Sibley for my liking!

On Max Bird...

He's got a Grade 2 groin injury so he will be out for a minimum of four weeks but what I do know with Birdy is he'll be determined to get back really quick and he'll give himself the best chance he can.

On picking a team without him...

It's a massive blow but every injury is. Recently we've had one of the ''big dogs' injured so it's always a blow but it's just part of it and that's why you carry 20 players.

I said to Harvey: 'This is the reason why I want you to come in however if you come in, do well and the team are playing well then you'll keep your place and Birdy will have to fight his way back in.'

It's a problem, but if you're going to be successful you're going to have to overcome a few things. Ideally the same 8/9 players play regularly and that's what drives success.

On the squad fitness as a whole...

Everyone is really good so in fairness it feels like I've had a really good transfer window because I've got David McGoldrick back, Eiran Cashin back and Louie Sibley back.

Obviously James Chester is out still but working well but away from him and Birdy, I've got nearly a full compliment.

On whether he was satisfied with the transfer window...

I would have liked more - but who wouldn't? I'm buzzing the group we've got here, but every manager in the world wants more.

I said at the start of the transfer window that I'm not going to sign a player for the sake of it. It's absolutely pointless if they won't improve us. If they aren't going to come here and work hard and buy into it then I'm not interested, I'm not begging them to come.

There's a couple that I tried to get and it wasn't to be but there's no shame. Everyone worked as hard as they could. Overall I am pretty pleased but, as always, you always look for what could be better.

On Morecambe...

In fairness to Morecambe they've won four out of five and are in good form. We're on a good run but we've got to get back to it now after thre FA Cup tie on Monday. We've just got to try and chase the third spot; let's chase that.

The lads are in a good place, they are desperate for success, which is priceless, and they are well prepared for the match on Saturday so we'll just have to be at our best to win.

Morecambe frustrated us back in November as we played out a 1-1 draw, but they did cause us problems as well. They've scored a lot of good counter-attacking goals recently and are good on set-pieces.

They are going to come here on a really good run with a bit of positivity so this game is no easier or harder than someone like Sheffield Wednesday at home. They are just going to come here and pose different questions.