INTERVIEW: Eustace Hails Progression Ahead of Watford Trip

Head Coach John Eustace hailed the progress made by his squad as Derby County near the minimum 50-point target he set at the start of the season.

Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Swansea City took the club to within touching distance of that total, with the Rams sitting on 48 points after 32 matches, leaving them sixth in the Sky Bet Championship table.

Eustace praised his side’s development across the course of the season, yet admitted there is still work to be done to further improve both results and performances.

Ahead of the weekend’s trip to Watford, the Rams’ boss spoke to RamsTV to discuss form, the impact of talisman Patrick Agyemang, and a hint of the unknown when Derby take on the Hornets.

On Showing Promising Progress

I think we have made great progress. From the start that we had until now, you can see the team and the group have been progressing nicely. I’m delighted to be on 48 points at this stage of the season.

There's a hell of a lot of hard work still ahead in the next 14 games, but we're in a good position.

On Striker Patrick Agyemang Reaching Double Figures

He’s had a huge impact. When we first signed him, we knew it was going to take a little bit of time.

Obviously, he had to have an operation on his groin, which kept him out for six weeks, and then we had to get him match fit and up to the right standard for the Championship to play week in, week out.

There are going to be highs and some lows for sure, but he's developing into a top player. The coaches out on the training field have put a lot of hard work into him. He’s buying into what we want, and you can see him developing nicely.

On Possessing Three High-Calibre Goalkeepers

I’ve spoken a number of times about the quality of the goalkeeping department.

That comes from the top - from the coach, Paul Clements. He dedicates himself to making sure his department is one of the best in the Championship. It’s there for everyone to see, his level of detail, he’s top, top draw.

I think from when we came in a year ago now, you can see the development of all, certainly Josh Vickers and Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, and now Richard O’Donnell as well. All three of them are developing into real top performers.

On the State of the Squad

Lewis Travis is back, but I don't think there'll be anyone else joining the group. The attitude of the boys since the weekend has been very good. Obviously, we want the squad to be as fit as it can. We want all the players to be on that training field, performing day in, day out and really pushing the group. Everyone that is out there will be ready for Saturday.

On the Challenge of Watford

Watford have got a great squad with some fantastic individual players. They're top footballers, top performers.

They've obviously got a new head coach in now. We're not sure exactly how they'll set up but what we all know is that we're up against a very good team.