Games come thick and fast, particularly at this stage of the season, but after Derby County’s 5-0 victory against Hull City, Craig Forsyth believes that it isn’t always a bad thing.
On Tuesday evening, the Rams will travel to Oakwell to take on Barnsley in the second round of the Carabao Cup, kick-off 7:45pm.
And whilst some teams may prioritise their league efforts over their cup campaign, Forsyth believes that the hectic schedule provides Gary Rowett’s side with the perfect platform to build some momentum.
Speaking to RamsTV, Forsyth explained: “After the victory over Hull on Friday, everyone is buzzing. It was a good reaction to the Sheffield United game and everyone is in great spirits.
“When games come thick and fast, it’s always good when you’re winning because you can keep that momentum going.
“Regardless of what competition it is, that’s what we’ll be trying to do in order to go on a run.”
In terms of the Rams’ opponents in Barnsley, the Scottish defender added: “It’s a good tie but it will be a tough game against Barnsley.
“Obviously there is a trip to Wembley up for grabs if we win, but all our focus is on the task at hand.
“The reward is a game at Wembley to play against Tottenham Hotspur, but we’ve got to do it against Barnsley first.”
As for Forsyth personally, his last appearance for the Rams came in the previous round against Grimsby Town, where Derby were 1-0 winners thanks to Matej Vydra’s penalty conversion in the 53rd minute.
Since then, though, the left back has experienced 90 minutes amongst Darren Wassall’s Under-23s alongside George Thorne in their 2-0 victory of Sunderland – a request to Rowett that Forsyth put in himself.
“The situation arose where I didn’t think I’d be playing the first team game, so I asked to play for the Under-23s,” Forsyth explained.
“I needed games and the gaffer said yes so it was an opportunity to get another 90 minutes into me.
“Ideally, you get that sharpness through games but I’ve not been playing so it’s up to me to take responsibility to do extra and make sure that when I’m called upon, I’m ready.”
