Pre-Match Thoughts: 'It's A Strong Position To Be In' - Nelson

Defender Curtis Nelson says Derby County having worked themselves into 'a strong position' in Sky Bet League One ahead of Saturday's trip to Lincoln City (3pm kick-off).

The Rams currently sit third in the table following the 3-2 home win over Burton Albion on Monday night, just one point behind Portsmouth in top spot.

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the clash with the Imps, Nelson reflected on the last-gasp Burton win, Derby's impressive recent form and his form this term.

His verdict on the Burton win...

It was a massive win for us. It's a little bit of a local derby as well, so it's good that we got another three points to take into Saturday's game at Lincoln. It's cliché, but it took great character from us to get that third goal late on. We made it difficult for ourselves by conceding two goals in the second half but we got the result in the end and that's all that matters.

On the impressive recent run with 10 wins from 12...

We've just maintained our standards with everything we do on and off the pitch and recovering and working in the gym, it is as simple as that.

On the number of clean sheets the side have picked up...

It was disappointing on Monday to concede two goals. We've got 10 clean sheets in the league so far so we need to double it. To get to 20 would be lovely.

On not a missing a minute of league action so far...

I've been feeling good. I've missed a couple of cup games here and there for rests but I'm happy to have played every minute and keep my fitness where it needs to be. The staff are brilliant, you can't ask for anything more at this club. It's got everything we need and we need to utilise it the best we can as individuals. I've been around the game long enough to know what I need to do to be ready for a Saturday.

On his personal displays this season...

There's always room for improvement, you can never rest on your laurels. In the gaffer's eyes I must be doing something right because, if not, there are others he could definitely throw into the side instead. I'm just happy to be fit and playing as many matches as possible.

On his goals tally after getting two so far...

The gaffer has told me I need more! He tells me most days that I need more and it's something we work on in training. He hasn't set a clear target but we've discussed certain numbers and I need a few more to get where I want to be at.

On Derby's current position in the table...

It's a strong position to be in. It's not the most comfortable position to be in because you want to be clear at the top and have a gap to third spot, but it's a good position to be in and a good position to build from. We know where we want to be points wise come the end of the season but it could be a high total as everyone keeps winning at the top. There doesn't seem to be any let off. We just have to be relentless in what we do and keep winning matches ourselves.

On the away form with nine wins already...

We go into every game with the same mentality, so it's not a case of away or home form. If we can be aggressive and on the front foot, we'll always give ourselves a chance.