Pre-Match Thoughts: Wildsmith Says Rams Are 'Feeling Confident' Ahead Of Run In

Derby County goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith says the squad are 'still feeling confident' that they can achieve something this season as they prepare to enter the final four games of the regular 2022/23 Sky Bet League One season.

The Rams currently sit one point and one place outside of the top six but the shot-stopper believes they now have nothing to lose and are confident they can secure a play-off spot.

Wildsmith spoke to RamsTV to discuss the run-in and preview Tuesday evening's trip to Exeter City (7:45pm kick-off).

On how the body is feeling after Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bristol Rovers...

The body is feeling good, it's just part of goalkeeping I suppose. We were frustrated to not come away with maximum points on Saturday. Although realistically we didn't have a lot of the ball, I thought the boys defended really well. The penalty was soft and it's another frustrating one for us and one that's taken away two points. The boys have got to dust themselves down, we've got another trip down to Exeter and we're all looking forward to it.

On facing 10 penalties so far this season...

I wouldn't necessarily look into it and think we've been too silly in and around the box. I think for a team that are in and around the promotion places - giving away that many penalties is quite strange but it's one of those, we just have to get on with it. I'll always try and do my best to dig us out where I can but it's not a great statistic to have against us and it's certainly one that has bit us and cost us points at times this season.

On Tuesday marking his 50th appearance for Derby...

It's something I'm really proud of. My aim at the start of the season was to play as many games as possible, if not all. The only games I've missed this season are in the Papa Johns Trophy so to play every game other than those three is a massive achievement for me as a professional. It's the first time where I've been the mainstay in a team and to play every game was an aim of mine so I'll hopefully fulfil that come the end of the season.

On whether he's got used to the number one label now...

I'm always learning. Andy Warrington is always asking me questions and giving me advice on things we could change or try to try and get that little bit more out of me. It's all learning for me and I'm taking it in day-by-day.

I'd like to think that as the season progressed I'm looking more assured as a goalkeeper and I can think back to the first few matches where mindset wise I had a lot more going on and was thinking about too much. Now it's just more of a case of repeating and staying consistent in my performance and I think that's the sign of a good goalkeeper. Nobody is really worried about what they are going to get from me.

On the long trip to Exeter City...

There's good comrade on the long journeys. Some lads play cards, some play Ludo whereas others are happy to chill out and watch films on Netflix. Sometimes the longer trips are better because you can get a bit more involved and have a real good laugh. It's sort of like going away with all your mates really, everyone tends to enjoy the trips. It's another long one but it's nothing we haven't seen before.

On whether the group is still confident with four games to go...

We are one hundred per cent confident. We've got nothing to lose now, we're in the chasing pack and we understand what we've got to do. It's all about us putting pressure on other people. They've got tough games, we've got tough games and it's just about getting what we can from those games and if we can post a number, it's down to them to match that. With the gaffer's track record in the play-offs and getting promoted out of this league, I'd back us against anyone in the play-offs. These four games will be a good test, everyone will leave everything out there and everyone is looking forward to it.