Defender Craig Forsyth says remaining focused on their own game plan will be key for Derby County as they face another crucial Sky Bet Championship fixture when they face Hull City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).
The 36-year-old has been a vital fixture in John Eustace’s set-up, starting in the last ten consecutive games for the Rams - with 37 league appearances and three goals to his name for the club this season.
He featured at left-back wing-back as Derby clinched three crucial Championship points with a 3-1 win at West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday,leaving them in 21st place on goal difference with two games to go in the 2024/25 season.
The Rams will head to Hull’s MKM Stadium on Saturday for their final away game of the season before hosting Stoke City at Pride Park Stadium in the last match on the fixture list a week later, as Eustace’s side continue to fight for their place in the second tier next term.
Long-serving Forsyth, who has made 380 appearances for the club since signing in 2013, sat down with RamsTV to preview Derby's trip to Yorkshire.
On the morale boost of taking three points against West Brom after Friday’s loss against Luton…
We were all disappointed with the Luton result. I think we shot ourselves in the foot with the way that we started the game. We said before the West Brom game that the reaction was what we needed, and we got a reaction and a good performance.
On life under the tutelage of former team-mate John Eustace…
It probably was a little bit strange to start with [being managed by a former team-mate]. I had massive respect for the gaffer when I played with him. He was my captain at Watford when I first came down south, and he really looked after me. Then we both ended up playing here at Derby together and had two great years. I have massive respect for him anyway, and he's one of the people that I've kept in touch with since he left. I don't think I would have imagined ever being managed by him, though!
He's put a massive emphasis on everybody being together and being really difficult to beat and play against. With the situation we're in, he has helped us have a real clarity in what we're doing and the way we're going about things, and I think you can see that on the pitch.
On his longevity in the Derby squad…
I would still like to keep playing as long as I possibly can. I've said this before, I have missed a chunk of my time here through injury, so I want to keep playing as long as I can. I haven't really thought about when I finish playing too much. There are little bits and pieces, but I want to concentrate fully on playing.
On playing the most games in a Championship season in over a decade…
I’ve probably surprised myself a little bit. I didn't expect to be involved as much, but I pride myself on always being fit, ready and available. At times, I've been called upon in different positions.I've always said that I'm willing to do my best and help out any way I can, and I'll continue to do that.
On Saturday’s fixture against Hull City…
It is a massive, massive game. We know what's at stake, but at the same time we have to look after ourselves, make sure that we do our job and concentrate on the game and the game plan that the staff set out for us.
