"We're heading in the right direction": Derby County captain feeling confident for Bolton clash

Derby County will be feeling good after a 2-1 win over Reading on Tuesday.

The Rams won after they were awarded a somewhat contraversial penalty in the 70th minute which was tucked away by captain Conor Hourihane to give Derby all three points.

It puts Derby into second place in League One, one point ahead of Saturday's opponents Bolton Wanderers.

With such a key game on Saturday, Paul Warne's side will be focussed and ready for what could prove to be a promotion decider.

The Rams captain spoke to Rams TV before Saturday's game to talk about Derby's position.

He said: "We're all looking at each other now after every game.

"I still feel that Portsmouth are not too far away, they are in touching distance and I feel whoever handles things the best in the last few games will get over the line."

Hourihane, 33, has had promotions with both Barnsley and Aston Villa. He is hoping to add Derby County to that list now that they have the chance.

He added: "I've had a couple of promotions through the play-offs, so I'd love a top two one this time.

"The experienced lads are more familiar with the 'run-in', so you try and help the younger lads along a little bit. They are all playing well still at this stage so it doesn't seem to be phasing them at all.

"To add that experience to it, we're heading in the right direction at a key time."

Saturday's game against Bolton is billed to be one of if not the biggest game of the season for both sides. With the Trotters just one point behind Derby, whoever wins will be in control of their own destiny for the rest of the season.

Hourihane emphasised the importance of getting a good result. He said: "We know it's a big game, you can't get away from it.

"It will be a big weekend for the top four or five teams. If we can get the result that we all want, it will give us a real good platform going into the last seven games. Everyone is looking forward to it."

Pride Park could well be sold out on Saturday with well over 31,000 fans expected in the stands. It will certainly add to the magnitude of the occasion for both sides.

Hourihane added: "We need the fans on Saturday more than ever. There will be times in the game where we suffer and we need them to get us through the little patches.

"If we're on top, we need them to make it daunting for the opposition. Their energy and enthusiasm and atmosphere can give us that extra yard.

"I think back to my first game for Derby against Oxford, that first game was electric and we need that at the weekend for sure."

Derby County vs Bolton Wanderers kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 16 March.