EFL Trophy Pre-Match Thoughts: Win Can Provide 'Boost For Everyone' - Nyambe

Derby County defender Ryan Nyambe believes an EFL Trophy win at Notts County on Tuesday evening would provide a 'boost for everyone in the team' going into the October international break.

The Rams travel to the League Two leaders in their second Northern Section Group G tie and will do so looking to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the short trip to Meadow Lane, Nyambe spoke about how he's settled into life Derbyshire after recently signing as a free agent until January 2024, after leaving Wigan Athletic earlier in the summer, and looked ahead to the clash with the Magpies.

On life at Derby County so far...

I'm enjoying it at the moment. It's been a great start for myself and I'm enjoying it. I didn't expect to start the first game against Carlisle United last month but the gaffer trusted me to start. I think I showed I was fit through that game and now I'm just happy to be playing. I've not been too bad fitness wise, actually, and I got two games in during the last international break which set me up nicely. Body wise I've felt OK.

On whether he's at his top level now...

I didn't have a full pre-season so I'd probably say there's a little bit more to come. Normally when I have a full pre-season is when I'm at my best so hopefully after this international break my body can regenerate a little bit, reset and go again. I believe there's more to come.

On the group itself...

They are amazing. They've helped me settle in very well and you can tell with how comfortable I am in the team, they've helped me settle in so well.

On the fans taking to him quickly...

I've noticed that, so that's an extra little boost for me. It certainly helps, it's a big help.

On the unbeaten six-game run...

League One is a tough league to get out of. A1-1 draw at Cheltenham on Saturday wasn't the worst result in the world but we wanted to win the game. We've just got to keep being resilient and take our chances when they come.

On the EFL Trophy trip to Notts County...

You want to be successful. If we win on Tuesday at Notts County then it's another little boost for us and some of the lads that haven't been playing. It can be a boost for everyone in the team. It's a long season and we'll need everyone fit and ready to go.