Tue 09 Dec - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
John Eustace says his Derby County side are well equipped to respond to setbacks and have learned from each performance this season ahead of Wednesday evening’s clash with Millwall at Pride Park Stadium (7:45pm kick-off).
Despite recent defeats to Middlesbrough and Leicester City, Eustace is adamant his players possess the mentality to bounce back, as evidenced in the Rams’ October-November run of form.
On the back of six wins in their last nine games - after tasting victory just once in their opening ten matches - the Rams have already showcased their quality and mental fortitude to push up the Sky Bet Championship table.
Now braced for the second instalment of an unrelenting December fixture list, Derby have an instant opportunity to secure their eighth victory of the campaign under the midweek lights.
Standing in their way will be high-flying Millwall, with Alex Neil’s side currently sitting third in the table after winning each of their previous three games.
Sitting down with RamsTV before Wednesday’s contest, it is a fixture Eustace describes as ‘a great test’ for Derby.
The first half performance obviously wasn't at the level that we expect, but I was delighted with the second half response. We have to learn from the first half, take the positives out of the second half and move on.
You can’t reflect too much or get down too much in the Championship, because the games always come thick and fast. Now, we have got to fully focus on Millwall.
I think we have done it [move on quickly] already this season, during difficult times and after difficult results. All we ask for is that level of commitment and to be competitive. During that first half [on Saturday], we were not at the level required, but it is all part of the journey that we are on. We have to learn from it and show a response on Wednesday.
There are going to be highs and lows over the course of the season. You are going to get injuries, suspensions, lack of form, but it is how you get through these difficult moments; we have proven we can do it once already.
The performances have been good overall, I feel, and we could have easily had a few more points over the last four games, but it is what it is. We keep working, we keep going.
We are still a bit short, unfortunately. The group we are working with is a fantastic group of players and their attitude has been different class. We have been through some difficult times already this season and come through it. All the players that will be available on Wednesday will be ready to go.
Wednesday will be a great test against a team that are doing really well. They're third in the league and we know it is going to be a very difficult game.
Every game you play, home and away, you want to make the fans proud. I think they could see that we were down during the first half on Saturday, but our response was excellent. The fans got right behind us and got to see that togetherness is there.
There are going to be some good moments and bad moments throughout the season. Wednesday is an opportunity to make sure that we are competitive and see where it takes us.
Pride Park Stadium
Middlesbrough
Hull City
Wrexham
Derby County
Norwich City
Birmingham City
Swansea City
Bristol City
