Magpies v Rams - Preview

Magpies v Rams - Preview
Notts County vs. Derby County
Tuesday 28th July, kick off 7.45pm
Meadow Lane, Nottingham

Rams boss Nigel Clough will take a full strength squad for tonight`s pre-season friendly against East Midland neighbours Notts County at Meadow Lane tonight (7.45pm)

Lee Croft (knee) is omitted as a precaution, having picked up a slight knock in the Rams victory against Exeter City on Saturday, while Kris Commons and Robert Hulse were not considered.

Crofts absents is likely to give Steven Davies another opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting eleven, having performed so well after coming on at the weekend.

Clough knows the League Two side will gives his chargers a tough workout.

'Notts County have their tales up at the moment with all the publicity surrounding them and they were excellent against Forest at the weekend," said Clough.

'Lee Croft won't play, but it's not something we are too concerned about; we just don't want to take any unnecessary risks at this stage of pre season. We fully expect him to feature against Stoke City at Pride Park this weekend.

'There is still plenty to play for in terms of winning a starting place in the side, so no one can take anything for granted.

'We were really pleased with what we saw in the South West and it's important to keep that momentum going now,' he added.

Notts County boss Ian McParland has called for 'more of the same' from his Notts County players after an impressive display against Nottingham Forest last Saturday McParland is calling for a repeat showing tonight.

'Tonight is just another part of the pre-season, just like Saturday,' said McParland.

'The lads did really well against Forest and the message is simple - we want the same again.

'Derby will provide us with another tough test, without a doubt they have good players. I envisage it will be a similar type of test to the Forest game," he added.

Kick-off is at 7:45pm tonight and admission prices are £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.

Derby County Squad: Bywater, Deeney, Connolly, McEveley, Green, Addison, Savage, Teale, Porter, Barker, Varney, Pearson, Buxton, Pringle, Barnes, Davies, Moxey

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.