Derby County’s Under-18s return to home turf this weekend ahead of their Premier League – North clash with Middlesbrough, kick-off 1pm.
After two successive draws, Justin Walker’s and Rory Delap’s side will be hoping that they can return to winning ways after near misses previously against both Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City respectively.
Last time out, the Rams’ most recent fixture ended in a goalless draw against Blackburn at their Brockhall Training Ground.
And although it was a game Derby dominated and enjoyed the majority of the chances, time ran out in the end, leaving the Rams with a sense of frustration.
This weekend, Walker’s and Delap’s side host eighth-placed Middlesbrough as they look to return to winning ways and build on their unbeaten run.
In terms of form, Boro have won two of their last five games, including a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.
Since the beginning of the season, Derby have been in impressive form in the League, winning two (Everton and Sunderland), drawing two (Liverpool and Blackburn) and losing just one of their fixtures (Manchester United).
And thanks to their impressive start, the Rams currently sit in third place in the table behind only Manchester City and Liverpool.
Ahead of the fixture, first year scholar, Jason Knight, spoke exclusively to dcfc.co.uk to give his thoughts on the upcoming test.
He said: “As a player, you live for these big games and big tests, but I really do think that the boys are ready for it.
“All the boys are ready to go. We’ve been working very hard on the training pitch and so we are all very fit and ready.
It’s going to be a tough game. We know what Middlesbrough are all about but hopefully our quality will shine through.”
