Pre-Match Thoughts: 'No Surprise' To See Pompey At The Top - Warne

Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne says it's 'no surprise' to see Portsmouth currently sat at the summit of Sky Bet League One - and insists they deserve it for their consistency throughout the campaign.

The Rams currently sit five points behind Pompey in second place, although they have played a game more than the leaders going into Tuesday evening's showdown at Fratton Park (8pm kick-off).

Speaking to RamsTV ahead of the long trip south, Warne reflected on the 1-0 home win over Blackpool on Friday, previewed the top of the table clash and gave an update on the squad's health.

On Portsmouth...

They are top and have only lost four games this season, despite suffering a lot of injuries. They've got a good team and have found ways to win. They had a slight wobble, if you want to call it that, but they've come through it. They are one of the only teams in the top six that have convincingly done it week-in-week-out. It's no surprise that they've been the most consistent team and deserve their place at the top.

On where the resilience of scoring late comes from as both sides have done it on a number of occasions...

It's a mentality to be relentless and go for wins. I'm not saying it's right or wrong but if we're drawing, I'd rather risk the one point and go for three than keep the one. If you believe in your team, then the risk is worth taking. Realistically, in every league, the two top teams will likely score the most goals and concede the least. Sometimes, and I include us in this, you get the lucky bounce and it all inspires victory.

On the victory over Blackpool on Good Friday...

We didn't take our chances at Northampton in the previous fixture, so it was important over the next two games to get a minimum of three points. Obviously we want six, but to get that one out of the way takes a bit of pressure off of this game at Portsmouth. It was a big win, it was an amazing goal from an amazing human being in Ebou Adams, so it was pretty perfect in terms of how the day went. It was two good teams going at it. Blackpool are a really good League One team, as are we. We've got two massive home games left and three on our travels to get to where we want to get to.

On the squad's health heading into Portsmouth...

I don't think I've got any dramas, however, it's very early! We'll try and pick a team that can neutralise them the best, but can also give us the best chance going forwards. As an attacking unit I really like what we are doing, but it will be a tough game against arguably the best team in the league. We'll have to be at our best.