Derby County are safely through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Derby boss Steve McClaren told BBC Radio Derby how he galvanised his troops into action at half-time on Saturday, when they trailed Premier League side West Brom in the FA Cup.
The Rams subsequently went on to earn a hard-fought victory over the Baggies, and in doing so, ensured that they will be part of the fourth-round draw.
Derby manager Steve McClaren
McClaren deserves great credit for how he has managed to turn things around since his return to the iPro Stadium in October, and the manner in which he has guided Derby to seventh in the Championship table has been remarkably impressive.
And McClaren discussed his delight at his side’s recent displays, drawing attention to their second half display against West Brom on Saturday as evidence of their quality, when speaking to BBC Radio Derby:
“We told them to keep their composure. We were causing them problems and controlling the game. How the players kept their composure and came back, credit to them. We said to the players that it’s a cup tie and there’s 6,000 fans coming to watch, so there’s a reason why we’ve got to fight, we’ve got to react and come back. I’m so pleased for the players, I’m so pleased for the fans and very proud of them.”
Derby manager Steve McClaren applauds fans after the game
The priority for Derby, however, will surely be promotion to the Premier League, and with just two points to make up on sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday, they have every chance of doing just that.
McClaren’s men face two fixtures in the next two weeks that could prove to be season-defining, with a trip to fifth placed Leeds United followed by a visit from third placed Reading.
And maximum points from those fixtures would be a huge statement to the rest of the league that Derby mean business.
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