"We Have To Be On Top Of Our Game"

Manager Frank Lampard has called on 'focus' from his players as they prepare for a trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End on Friday night.

The Rams have been in good form in recent weeks and occupy a top six spot, whilst the hosts are also unbeaten in three.

They have enjoyed recent success on the road against Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City, however, they haven't picked up the results they would have wanted in front of their home supporters.

Preston’s last victory in front of their fans was in mid-December - but Lampard has challenged his players to focus ahead of tomorrow night’s game.

“You toss a coin with the Championship sometimes,” Lampard told RamsTV. “We will do all we can to prepare and in my mind, they are in really good form.

“Those two big away wins were difficult ones that they have won, very good at QPR for sure. I think it is something that we have to be really on top of our game, Friday night away from home, it’s a big game for us.

“We are in a good run of form but the only way to continue that is absolute focus in every game. Preston will be tough and we will have to be ready.

“We have to focus on ourselves. You can send yourself in circles if you look at every other result every weekend.

“Some are good, some are bad but the position we are in now we just have to focus on ourselves, stay fresh, stay fit, stay healthy and win games. That’s the only thing that is going to get us where we want to be.”

The manager has been given an injury boost ahead of the game as he revealed goalkeeper Scott Carson has returned to training this week.

However, he also has players missing for the game.

“Scott has had a bit of an issue with his kicking, so we will have to analyse that up until the game but he’s back in training,” said Lampard.

“Mason Mount won’t be involved. His hamstring injury certainly won’t have him back for this Friday.

"Ashley Cole, whether he is ready or not to play some part, I’m not sure yet. Again, it is day by day. He is getting close, he has joined in with us the past couple of days.

“It is just the question of whether he is ready for that really difficult game. I don’t think he is far away at all, he is physically fit, it’s the match fitness and extra 15 percent.

“In terms of squad, we aren’t huge at the minute so we will see, if we need him he may be involved.”