Pre-Match Thoughts: 'It's A Big Game For Both Clubs' - Warne

Head Coach Paul Warne says Derby County's Sky Bet League One clash at Barnsley on Saturday is 'a big game for both clubs.'

Six points and two places separate the two sides going into this weekend's clash at Oakwell, although the Tykes do have a game in hand on Warne's side.

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the match, the Head Coach spoke about the recent signing of Dwight Gayle, reflected on the 1-0 home win over Stevenage last weekend and previewed the trip to Yorkshire.

On how Dwight Gayle has settled in...

He has settled in well; we're pretty pleased. We've just got to be a bit careful at the moment as he hasn't done a lot of training in the last four weeks. He will be in the squad and prepared for selection on Saturday. The dressing room is amazing, so he's settled in alright and it shouldn't be too heavy of a shirt for him to wear.

On where Gayle is fitness wise...

He's looking OK, not amazing, but he's ready to be selected. Whether he starts or I bring him on, or I do neither, there's an option to do something. We do have to err on the side of caution, though, so it will be sensible for us to make a decision based on where his physical data is and what we think.

On quickly responding to losing James Collins...

There were a few options out there, but not as impressive as Dwight. The other ones I don't think would have helped us and we'd have had to battle on as we were. The fact that the club were able to, even though we had to jump through hoops, is good. We're fortunate in that respect.

On the current injury list...

Fozzy is back on the grass this week but he isn't training yet and Waggy has been in the group, so I think I've got 20 outfield players fit. I think it's just Wash, Fozzy and Collo that aren't available alongside Jake Rooney. I know Josh Vickers is still sore but, if needed, he could strap up and go.

On the togetherness in the stadium against Stevenage...

That's all you ever want to feel. Everyone in the stadium felt like they wanted the team to win and wanted to help. If we do go up, everyone plays a part in it and the home crowd play a massive part. I've watched the game back and we didn't play well. We weren't awful but neither side really created anything. In those games, the fans make a colossal difference and I felt like it was the most prevalent match in my memory where everyone was trying. It's easy to cheer the team on when they are winning, it's when it isn't going so well and it is difficult that the players really appreciate it. To score that late on and for the final whistle to go seconds later was really enjoyable for me.

On Barnsley this Saturday...

Anyone that is in the top six is doing really well. They aren't many points behind us and we think we're doing alright. They aren't dissimilar to us, they play in a similar way and with a real energy. They are one of the successful League One teams that are normally always in the top six. It will be a really tough game and they are fixtures that mean more. It's like a psychological boost for whoever wins it. We're still trying to chase down the team above us and we've still got Bolton and Portsmouth to play, which I think is a good thing. To win on Saturday will take everything, because they are a good side. We aren't bad away from home, we'll take a big following, the lads will be right up for it and hopefully we can perform. It's a big game for both clubs, there is no point pretending it isn't.

On the charity the players are supporting alongside Barnsley this weekend...

Weston Park Cancer Charity are taking over the game for Barnsley at the weekend. The lads will wear warm-up t-shirts for them on Saturday and we'll have pin-badges on and so on. I'd like to reach out to any Derby County fan and ask that if you walk past a bucket and you have a spare pound to throw-in, please do. That will run beside the game and hopefully the lads perform at a level that makes everyone proud again.