"I always want more": Derby County boss calls for continue in form ahead of Port Vale trip

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Derby County vs Port Vale kicks off at 7.45pm on Tuesday 28 November

Derby County boss Paul Warne will be feeling positive after the Rams 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers at the weekend.

His side have now won three league games in a row and will be looking to make it four this evening against Port Vale.

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Their opponents are winless in nine games and desperate to get a result as they look over their shoulder towards to relegation zone.

The Rams meanwhile have entered the playoff places for the first time this season and look to move closer and closer to the teams at the top.

Despite current form for both teams, the Derby manager believes that tonight is still going to be a test, speaking to Rams TV, Warne said: "Port Vale haven't won in nine games in the league, however, they have won three cup games in that time and they outplayed Shrewsbury at the weekend but lost 2-1.

"I know how difficult it will be and we'll probably have to be better than we were last year to win. I think four of the top six are playing each other so it could be a good way to grab some points back from those above us.

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"Against Stevenage and Shrewsbury in our recent away defeats we weren't competitive enough to win a game away from home and we're going to have to be on Tuesday night.

"It will be a really tough fixture but one we want to try and go and compete at a level to bring something back."

Despite their good form recently, Warne thinks that his side is still capable of more, he added: "I'm more than respectful of the league but I think the best teams aren't as good as they've been in recent years and I include us as one of them.

"There's loads of decent performing teams but I don't think there's any outright 'wow or amazing teams'. We just aren't as polished as I would like and that's probably my fairest assumption."

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One of the key reasons why his side have been winning games lately comes down to attacker Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and his excellent form. He has four goals and four assists currently after netting yet again on Saturday. The manager has been impressed by his recent performances.

On Mendez-Laing, Paul Warne said: "He's doing OK isn't he? He's in the best form since I've seen since I've been here and on his day he is probably the most destructive attacking player in the league.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been a big part of Derby's recent formNathaniel Mendez-Laing has been a big part of Derby's recent form
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has been a big part of Derby's recent form | Getty Images

"He's created plenty of chances and we've missed a few, but he's added goals to his game as well. He's a massive force for this team, he takes his football seriously and does everything right to get himself in the best physical shape.

"If the team plays well, 90% of the time it's because Nat has played well. He's that sort of diamond in the pack."

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