Pre-Match Thoughts: 'Sometimes It's Nice To Be The Hunter' - Smith

Midfielder Korey Smith believes being in the chasing pack can be a good thing for Derby County as the side prepare to enter an important stage of the season.

The Rams currently sit just outside of the Sky Bet League One play-off spots on goal difference ahead of Saturday's home clash against Bristol Rovers (3pm kick-off) and Smith knows a good run over the winter period could make all the difference come April.

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of this weekend's visit of The Gas, the midfielder reflected on the recent international break and looked ahead to Saturday.

On the international break...

It's always good to have a little bit of time to reflect and refresh and get your energy back - especially at my age! It came at a time where we got a few wins in the league so maybe it would have been nice to carry on, but we've had a good international break and the boys have come back looking really sharp. We're happy to be back.

On how he feels physically...

I feel good. It's the first time I've had a proper pre-season for a few years so maybe that's helping me a bit. Everyone knows the pre-seasons here are tough so maybe that has carried on for me and I feel good, feel sharp and I'm looking forward to the next run of games.

On the FA Cup defeat to Crewe...

It has been very much a case of getting it out of our systems straight away. We were in the following morning and got told what was wrong but after that we have moved on and tried to concentrate on the next game.With the extra week's break it's out of the system now and we can focus on Saturday. We're still taking a lot of confidence in our performances in the league and with what we've been doing recently. We are going into this game nice and confident.

On the better performances at Pride Park...

Sometimes things just fall for you a little bit. There were games earlier in the season where we dominated and didn't win. Sometimes it just doesn't go in for you and in the last few home matches it has.

Sometimes it just comes down to that, other times it comes down to keeping that clean-sheet. It's all about momentum. Building the momentum, not just as a team but with the staff and the fans as well - once we get wins they get more confident. As a club we have to build momentum and make Pride Park a fortress.

On being well placed for a good run over the Christmas period...

Our goal is to get promoted and you don't get promoted in November. It's all about putting yourself in a good position around Christmas and January time and then you have the final push at the end. That's when it really counts even more. It's all about putting ourselves in a good position and sometimes it's nice to be the hunter.