“We Can Go on a Good Run” - Eustace optimistic ahead of Wrexham clash

Tom Coopey - football journalist

John Eustace felt preparation was effective in the three-week international break and are now refreshed ahead of Wrexham on Saturday afternoon. 

Injuries have been a major talking point this season for Derby, contributing to a slow start, so a newly introduced longer break came at the perfect time. 

He said: “It's been great, it's given us an opportunity to work with the group that's available to work with and the boys have been fantastic. 

“Their attitude has been very good and being able to work on a few things that individuals need and also being able to work with the units collectively that we've also needed as well.”

It’s certainly been a tough start to the campaign for the Rams, yet Eustace was full of praise for the support from the fans and emphasised how much they mean and play a part. 

He said: “We haven't picked a home win up yet in the league and it's an opportunity now that we can roll our sleeves up and really give it our best shot.

“Over the course of the 18 months I've been here, the fan base and that connection that they've got with the players has been second to none.

“During difficult moments this is where we show that we're a Derby County family. Through thick and thin we stick together and hopefully that will start on Saturday.”

A late surge for the play-offs last season saw Derby end the season strongly, but due to numerous factors, the Rams haven’t been able to build on the momentum from before the summer. 

Eustace explained the reasoning behind not hitting the ground running and how his side can still turn things around. 

He said: “Over the summer, we recruited fairly late. The players that we brought in, certainly we weren't able to do work in pre-season with, so we had limited numbers in pre-season and then obviously we've had two or three big injuries during that period. 

“There's no reason why we can't go on a good run and see where it takes us. But the most important thing for me is to get to 50 points, which is always the number one target, so it's important that we don't get carried away".

Derby County welcome Wrexham to Pride Park on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at 3pm.