3/1 To Win
Tom Lawrence insists Derby County’s players aren’t getting ahead of themselves as they aim to maintain their place in the Sky Bet Championship’s automatic promotion places.
Derby sit second in the table ahead of their trip south to take on Millwall at The Den on Tuesday evening (7:45pm kick-off).
Twelve wins from 21 matches between mid-September and mid-January fired Gary Rowett’s side from mid-table and into the division’s top two.
Lawrence says the Rams’ players have their focus firmly set on maintaining their performances, particularly with a number of strong rivals on their coattails.
With 18 games left to play there’s still a long way to go in the season and the Wales international isn’t looking too far ahead.
“We’re taking it a game at time and no-one is jumping ahead of themselves,” Lawrence told RamsTV.
“There’s some good teams right behind us and we’re looking to pull away from them if we can.
“Wolves are the only side above us and we also have to try and catch up with them if possible.
“It’s a good position to be in and also a tough one as well, so we know we need to maintain our performances.”
Derby were 3-0 winners over Millwall at Pride Park Stadium back in December.
A David Nugent double and a long-range strike from Matej Vydra earned the Rams all three points in their final game before Christmas.
Lawrence is convinced a trip to The Den is a tough prospect for Derby, particularly with the Lions boasting a strong home record.
“Millwall will be a tricky opponent for us and it’s never easy going down to their place,” he said.
“They have a very good home form and, as we know, there’s no easy games in the Championship.”
Derby’s squad spent last week in Dubai at a warm-weather training camp.
As they had no game at the weekend, owing to Millwall’s Emirates FA Cup commitments, the squad were put through their paces in the heat.
It was something different for the players to experience, particularly in January.
He said: “It was tough in the heat; it’s something we’re not used to and it was a different experience.
“We got some serious work in and it was certainly no holiday for us!
“We got some good training in and I am sure we’ll be ready for the game at Millwall.”
