3/1 To Win
Jayden Bogle believes Derby County are getting back to their best as the business end of the Sky Bet Championship season approaches.
The defender, who signed a new four-year contract back in September, earned the plaudits on Saturday in the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday as he put in a man-of-the-match display.
The point on Saturday ensured the Rams had picked up four points in their last two games.
Prior to that, Derby had lost three league games in a row. Whilst the Rams moved back into the play-off places at the weekend, Bogle believes his side have turned a corner as a crucial part of the season nears closer.
“We went through a few games where we weren’t performing as well as we could, but I think we have started to find our feet again now,” he told RamsTV.
“I think the game before the international break will be big because if we can get three points against Stoke then everyone is in good spirits heading into the break.
“It was a massive win over Wigan last week. It was key just to lift our spirits and get a lot of confidence back in the group. I think even against Sheffield Wednesday we had spells in the game where we showed our quality and if we can do that for 90 minutes then we have a great chance of beating teams.”
The defender went close a couple of times to scoring his first career goal on Saturday.
He forced a good save from Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kieran Westwood late on as Derby went for all three points.
He has yet to find the net for the Rams but admitted: “It’s coming soon.
"It is something I need to start working on, especially my finishing because there have been a few times this season where I have been in the areas to score goals.
“I enjoy getting forward because I used to be a winger and attacking is a big part of my game. I know I am a defender and that is my number one job, but the freedom that we have to get forward is good.”
Tomorrow’s game against Stoke City will be a different challenge for Bogle.
“They will probably make it hard for us when we are trying to play,” he said.
“A lot of teams have been like that this season and we just have to go into it with the right attitude and mindset and if we do that then we have a great chance of breaking them down.”
It’s the third fixture in a row that the Rams have played at Pride Park Stadium and the 18-year-old believes the atmosphere generated in recent games have helped the side.
“The atmosphere was great and when we have the fans behind us and supporting us, which they always do, then it makes it a lot easier for us on the pitch,” he said.
“That’s what we needed to help our confidence and to boost us and they have done that and we are grateful.”
