Derby County defender says players are feeling "excited" ahead of Stevenage challenge

Derby County defender Callum Elder has been getting more and more of a run in the starting XI as of late.

The Australian signed a two year deal in summer but had a slow start to his career as he struggled to get into the team.

Recently he has been in better form and has shown his ability both in defending and going forward.

He says that the atmosphere in the dressing room is positive at the moment. Elder has had three promotion campaigns with other teams in the past, and he says that a good atmosphere is key.

Speaking to Rams TV, he said: "A common theme I've seen in the three promotion challenges I've had in my career is having a group of players that is galvanised at the right time to achieve success and I reall feel that in this dressing room.

"We're excited with what we've got in there that we can produce what we want to achieve at the end of the season."

The run in the team that Elder seems to have stuck. Paul Warne trusts the defender a lot more and he has repaid the manager's trust with some good performances.

He added: "It's great. To put a run of games together for any player is important but to do it at such a crucial moment of the season for us is great.

"We're going into the last 15 games, we know what's on the line and everyone is working towards what we've set out to achieve. I thought we were excellent on Tuesday, it was a great performance away from home.

"We don't look too far ahead, we take each game as it comes and we know we've got another big one on Saturday."

Stevenage will be a tough test for Elder and his teammates but one that he will be hoping they can overcome.