INTERVIEW: Eustace on Needing ‘Fight and Desire’ In Oxford Clash

John Eustace urged Derby County to play with ‘fight and desire’ against Oxford United on Saturday afternoon, as they aim to remain in contention for the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs.

The Rams boss reflected on progress made and preached the importance of building a ‘winning culture’ at the club, as they continue to target a promotion push - whether achieved this season or beyond.

Eustace spoke to RamsTV ahead of his side’s game against Oxford United.

The Head Coach fielded questions on the injury situation, the pressure of remaining in the play-off chase and how he can take inspiration from the promotion-winning side of 1995/96, as the club celebrates the 30th anniversary of Jim Smith’s famous side at Pride Park Stadium.

On the Injury Situation

Bobby Clark’s injury isn’t as bad as we initially thought, which is fantastic for him. Unfortunately, I think it's going to be three to four weeks, so we probably won't get to see him before the Sheffield United game - so that's a shame - but it gives somebody else an opportunity now to step in.

Bobby's a diamond of a boy, the way he's developed this season has been exceptional - from that first West Brom game to now - he’s grown into a top Championship performer at such a young age.

We’re all delighted to see his development and what he's done. He fully deserves to be nominated as the Young Player of the Year in the Championship.

Lewis Travis and Carlton Morris weren’t on the grass today, so we’ll have to see what happens. But if they’re not available, then we've got players who are raring to go, so we'll step up and give 100%.

On The Way the Squad Has Responded to Injury Problems

I think with the number of injuries we've had and the way we've started the season, that the effort that the group have put in day in, day out, in every game has been exceptional.

They've certainly been going through the pain barrier for the football club and for each other, and it's now important in the final four games that we give it our best to see if we can extend the season.

On the Pressure of Playing with the Play-Offs at Stake

There's some pressure. We always take each game as it comes. We prepare properly for every game that we play in the Championship - and this won't be any different. We've got obviously our aims where we want to get to - and Saturday's game is the biggest game of the season. It's a game that we're looking forward to.

It’s a difficult Championship game, and we will have to bring a fight and desire to it.

On How He Would Feel If He Emulated the Achievement of the 1995/96 Squad

I don't know how it would feel, for sure, all I'd know is that it would be an unbelievable achievement for everyone connected to the football club.

It’s going to take a massive effort over the next two to three years to try and get there if we're not lucky enough to get there this season - but it's got to be a huge effort from the players, staff and the fans. That’s why building that winning culture, that winning environment, is very important.

Success is built over a number of years, I feel, and we're making good strides forward. It's a really exciting place to come, and it's one where everyone connected with the football club is very proud of what they've achieved over recent years.