PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Eustace previews midweek Charlton home clash

John Eustace says Derby County need to be more clinical in the final third as they look to take advantage of a flurry of home fixtures in the Sky Bet Championship over the next month.

Derby will kick off a run of four matches out of a possible five at Pride Park Stadium either side of the second international break of the season with the visit of Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night (8pm kick-off).

Eustace’s side, who came from behind to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Wrexham on Saturday thanks to Ben Brereton Díaz's stunning strike, will also face Southampton, Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers on home turf during October.

The Derby boss now wants to see his team display a more clinical edge in the attacking third of the pitch as they look to get points on the board in front of the Rams’ faithful.

Eustace sat down with RamsTV on Monday afternoon to briefly reflect on the draw at Wrexham and look ahead to the midweek with Charlton under the Pride Park floodlights.

Final thoughts on the 1-1 draw at Wrexham on Saturday…

I thought the lads showed great character to come back from behind to get a point. I was pleased that we scored a good goal by playing out from the back in difficult conditions. It was a good point, and we move on now.

On the strength of the squad and being able to make changes to start and in-game…

I think it has been proven in the last few games. If we’ve made changes at half-time or around 60 minutes, the lads that have come on have made an impact. Over the course of 46 games, everyone will be needed. While you can look ahead, we take each game as it comes because that is the most important thing.

On facing Charlton Athletic, promoted via the League One play-offs in May…

They’re a really good, energetic team. They’ve got good momentum from last season too; they’re coached really well. We are prepared and we are ready to come up against a difficult opponent, with lots of energy. They have started the season well, too. We know it will be a difficult game, but it is one we’re looking forward to.

On looking to make the most of four of the next five Championship matches at Pride Park…

If we want to get some results, we know we need to score more goals and be clinical in the final third. It will be important to keep clean sheets as well. There’s lots we need to work on, and we’re working our socks off to make sure we can get some positive results.