Head Coach Paul Warne is expecting a 'tough game' when Derby County face Paul Hurst's Shrewsbury Town at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
Warne and Hurst know each other well having both played together at Rotherham United and managed against each other several times in the past, so Warne knows just how difficult of a test lies ahead for his side.
Speaking to RamsTV, Warne spoke about facing an old friend in Hurst, gave his thoughts on James Collins' incredible season to date and also gave an injury update on attacking pair Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Corey Blackett-Taylor.
On Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst...
He's great, Hursty! I played with him for years and he was a really resolute and determined professional. He's a really good guy. I was disappointed to see what happened at Grimsby with him, when he left his position earlier this season, but that's football. He's done a brilliant job at Shrewsbury before and they've got a good squad of players now. I know it will be a tough game, they always are. It will be nice to see him but nice to see him at 5pm, though.
On whether it's odd going up against your friends in management...
I don't like it and I didn't like it as a player either. You have a real competitive edge on a matchday and you just have to sort of forget that it's your mate next door. It's a stressful environment, but it is quite nice when you shake hands at the start of the game. It doesn't make the preparation or the game itself any more difficult, it just makes it different. That's probably the best way to put it.
On James Collins' excellent season...
He has been the ticking heartbeat of the team. His dedication away from the grass is something to behold. If I go into the gym after training, he's always in there. He literally gives you everything. You can criticise players all the time, but you cannot criticise his dedication or his professionalism - he gives you everything he's got. At Charlton last weekend, he came out with the top statistics of all their attacking players. He covered more distance than Alfie May and he's one of the busiest strikers there is. It's not just leading the line we value, it's all his defensive actions. His general drive is very impressive and he's a testament to the sport.
On Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's injury...
The update is he's a bit sore. I think he'll be fine, but he's just sore. The intention is that he trains on Friday. We've got the Club Doctor in to jab him and drain his foot, so he should be OK. Nat is essential to how we play, hence why we tried to sign some pace up top as well. Nat's goal at Charlton is not one I am sure Collo would have got, because it was pace that was needed to break the lines and it was the difference between the two teams. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine.
On Corey Blackett-Taylor's injury...
He's been on the grass all week. He isn't joining in training today, he may join in tomorrow but whether he does join him and I risk him is another question. There is no point taking a slight risk now and losing him for a longer period of time, but obviously I want him fit.
