Mon 11 Aug - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 2mins
Head Coach John Eustace says Derby County’s Carabao Cup Round One trip to West Bromwich Albion provides a valuable opportunity to gain momentum.
Carlton Morris’ fine debut goal in the Rams’ opening game of the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season on Saturday wasn’t enough as Stoke City took all three points on the road after a late 3-1 comeback for the hosts.
Round One of the Carabao Cup beckons for the Rams, who have been drawn away to fellow Championship side West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Tuesday night (7:45pm kick-off).
The cup clash provides an immediate chance to bounce back and for the Rams' players to gain further match minutes and sharpness in the opening stages of the new campaign.
RamsTV spoke to Eustace prior to his side’s Carabao Cup tie.
I was very proud of the efforts of the group that went to Stoke in a really tough opening game. At the time Stoke equalised, I thought the game was kind of dead. The fans had just started to turn on them as well. It was disappointing to concede in the manner we did.
The majority of the players that started had played in most of the pre-season games. They deserved the opportunity to start the season. There weren't many other options available, but the players that are currently out injured are getting fitter and fitter. In another four or five weeks, I know we'll have more options to choose from. That's what I said after the game, the attitude and the desire that the starting line-up put in was excellent.
I thought his all-round performance was excellent on Saturday. He rounded off a really good performance with a very, very good goal. That's why we brought him to the football club. He's going to be a main man for us. He's a great character and a leader.
We've got to play players who need their minutes topping up to make sure they're performing at the level in the Championship. It's a great opportunity to give a few players match time and also make us very competitive.
West Brom have a fantastic squad of players, they'll play a really good style of football, I'm sure. They might mix it up, but whatever team they play against, they'll be good. We'll be ready to compete.
