"We want to keep the momentum going": Derby County assistant boss keen for win in EFL Trophy match

Derby County are currently having their best spell of the season with four league wins in a row and good performances both home and away.

However, they take a break from League One tonight as they face Fleetwood Town in the round of 32 of the EFL Trophy.

The Rams won all three of their group stage matches and having not played at the weekend will be feeling fresh and ready for tonight's clash.

Derby Assistant Manager Richie Barker spoke to Rams TV ahead of the game, saying that its a perfect opportunity for the Rams to continue their good form.

He said: "We want to keep the momentum going and have a run in it but obviously we are aware that we have a game coming up on Saturday as well at Leyton Orient.

"It goes straight to penalties too which is a massive lottery, so ideally we want the job done in 90 minutes.

"I think people are taking the Trophy a little more seriously over the last couple of years. If you look at the teams they are putting out, a few years ago it was predominantly younger players whereas now there seems to be less rotation.

"People are now recognising that it's a good opportunity to keep momentum going."

Fleetwood Town will be making their second trip of the season to Pride Park after a close game in August ended in a 1-0 win for the Rams.

Barker said he expects Fleetwood to provide a test yet again, he added: "The home game with them earlier this season was a really tough one. There wasn't much in terms of separating the teams but they've got a new manager in now and Lee Johnson has had a positive impact on the results.

"They've got some good quality players that are experienced at this level. We said to the lads this morning that we have to treat this as a League One game."

Last time out, Derby won 1-0 against Port Vale in the league with a goal from Tyreece John-Jules on his first touch since returning from injury. The Arsenal loanee had been out since August.

The Rams had a break over the weekend as they are no longer in the FA Cup which means they should be fresh and ready ahead of tonight's game.

Barker continued: "The lads had a couple of days off on Friday and Saturday because we wanted to come in on Sunday.

"We came in to a good four or five inches of snow which was a little disruptive, but we managed to get a good session in and we got out there today in the wind and rain.

"After having a couple of days off they've come back pretty refreshed and chomping at the bit."

Tonight's game kicks off at 7pm at Pride Park Stadium and will be available to watch for both subscribers and a pay-per-view on Rams TV.