3/1 To Win
Defender Craig Forsyth has admitted there will be ‘no hiding away’ from Derby County's battle to pick up points in the Sky Bet Championship ahead of Saturday’s clash at Cardiff City (3pm kick-off).
The Rams went down 1-0 against promotion-chasing Sunderland at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday night, but lined up with an unorthodox defensive line-up after Curtis Nelson’s knee injury, Nat Phillips' calf and Eiran Cashin’s recent return from a hamstring injury meant that he was also unavailable.
That meant Forsyth, left-back Callum Elder and midfielder Ebou Adams lined up in a back three against the Black Cats and, despite a spirited display, they were beaten by a single goal.
Derby are hoping Cardiff can be the venue to turn around their fortunes in the league and pick up their first points of 2025.
Forsyth spoke to RamsTV to discuss the team’s recent fortunes and look ahead to Saturday’s clash at Cardiff City Stadium.
On the takeaways from Tuesday night’s defeat to Sunderland…
We were disappointed, I would say, with the result. I think the second half performance, is definitely a positive sign. We took the game to a team at the top of the league and that's the way it should be at home. Ultimately we came away with nothing, but there were certainly some positives in the second half to build on.
On playing as part of an unfamiliar backline…
I'm happy to play at left-back or the centre-back position. As I get older, the legs feel a little bit easier in the central areas. As I've said before, I'm happy to play at centre-back. In the game there was probably a little bit more to think about organisationally, with two players that are probably not so familiar playing in that position. That said, they were both very good and aware of their roles positionally.
On seeing aspects to develop…
I think that [second half performance] is what we've got to try and build on. We had four or five corners in a row and could have scored. Lars had had two good headers and chances and it just didn't fall for us. The crowd reacted to that and that's the way it has to be. We have to give the crowd something to feed off as well. It was a good spell but, ultimately, we just didn't find that final touch and that's what's evading us just now.
On Curtis Nelson’s long-term knee injury...
He seems alright just now having seen him about the place. He's a very level-headed and sensible guy. He's probably taking his time to think about it and realise what it is and what he's got to do now to get himself back on the pitch. He will know it's going to be a long road and there are various stages you have to go through. He's mentally strong. His body is as strong as he's shown playing so many games in a row since he's signed.
He's one of the leaders in the dressing room. To have that voice missing is going to be disappointing for us, but it will also give other people opportunities to step into that role and take more ownership and more leadership and sort of step up to the plate a little bit.
On the importance of Saturday’s game against Cardiff City…
There's no hiding away from it. We're struggling for form, and we just need something to turn the tide. We've got to get back to putting points on the board and that's what we're looking to do.
