Derby need all their stars on show against Forest on Sunday. Thankfully, Jacob Butterfield has found form at the perfect time.
David Prutton has written in his column for Sky Sports that Derby County midfielder Jacob Butterfield is unrecognisable under Steve McClaren after struggling for form during Nigel Pearson’s ill-fated reign.
Since the former England boss replaced Nigel Pearson in October, The Rams have won six of their last eight Championship games and have thrown their hat directly into the ring for the play-off race.
Furthermore, while the likes of Tom Ince have found their form once more under a manager who almost guided Derby to promotion on two occasions in his first spell in charge, talented midfielder Butterfield has been re-energised in the centre of the park.
The 26-year-old has been particularly impressive in victories over Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United and Prutton has backed him to take his form into Sunday’s East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest.
“A key part of Derby’s engine room, [Butterfield] has been revitalised under Steve McClaren,” Prutton wrote in his column for Sky Sports.
“He brings a balance to the team, mixing attack with defence.”
Derby have picked up more points than any other Championship team since McClaren’s return to the iPro Stadium, though they are likely to endure a much tougher test against a Forest side who have found their form again after a disastrous run under Philippe Montanier.
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