Evans: “We Need To Make Sure We Really Kick On”

George Evans says everyone in the Derby County camp is aiming to build on the victory against Norwich City before the international break as the Sky Bet Championship fixture schedule starts to intensify when the Rams face Watford on Friday evening (7:45pm kick off).

Wayne Rooney’s late free kick secured all three points and a 1-0 win at Carrow Road two weeks ago to hand Derby their first victory of the 2020/21 campaign.

Evans, who joined the Rams in the summer of 2018 from Reading, was a key part of that victory after stepping into a defensive three alongside Curtis Davies and Matt Clarke.

The trio stood firm to keep a clean sheet against the Canaries on a successful afternoon for the Rams.

Their attention now turns to Friday night’s game against the recently relegated Hornets and Evans knows how important it is for Derby to build on the win at Norwich as they return to action under the Pride Park Stadium floodlights.

“It was a much nicer break after getting a win,” Evans told RamsTV. “It was a big three points that we needed and it was a great shift from the lads.

“We had a nice few days off. I spent a bit of time at home and now we are really looking forward to getting down to business and working our way up the table.

“The three points at Norwich was massive for us, but now we need to work our way up the table and not rest on that.

“We need to make sure we really kick on."

Whilst some of Derby’s first team players have enjoyed a rest over this international break, some have represented their countries.

Goalkeeper David Marshall has played three times for Scotland over the last six days, whilst winger Kamil Jozwiak played 72 minutes for Poland last night.

Midfielder Jason Knight also made his debut for the Republic of Ireland national squad, playing the final seven minutes against Finland.

Whilst it will be touch and go as to their availability, the Rams may have options to call upon in the weeks ahead as Tom Lawrence, Krystian Bielik and Martyn Waghorn have stepped up their rehabilitation after spells in the treatment room.

In addition, winger Jordon Ibe could also be in contention for his second debut for Derby after joining as a free agent last month.

“It has been great to see them back on the pitch,” Evans said. “I have been there a lot with injuries and there is nothing worse; you don’t feel part of a team, you feel away from it and it is a frustrating period for you.

“To have players like that back is a huge boost for us as well and training has definitely intensified a lot so that can only be good for us.

“Hopefully they can get back as soon as possible and really compete for places to get back in.”