Paul Warne reveals what's pleasing him most as Derby County chase down Portsmouth

Derby County have put themselves in prime position for an automatic promotion place with just seven games to go after four consecutive wins.

The highlight was last weekend's 1-0 win over promotion rivals Bolton which has given the Rams a four point buffer to their rivals.

They sit just five points behind league leaders Portsmouth and so despite what many around League One are saying, Derby could still win the title.

Manager Paul Warne echoed that sentiment this week as he believes that Portsmouth's position set his team with a target to aim for. Especially considering that the two sides face off in less than two weeks.

Speaking to Rams TV, Warne said: "Our focus is the same as the first day of pre-season. We treat every game the same, we prepare the same and every three points is as essential at the last.

"We'll keep everything pretty tranquil, we've still got a lot of points to play for and we're still trying to chase down Portsmouth above us.

"I like the fact the lads have been winning in different ways. It's good when you've got someone to chase down and it gives the lad some focus, but they've been good with keeping their feet on the ground, not getting too high or low and being consistent with their performances.

"We'll need another five or six wins, which isn't easy to do at any time of the year."

The next challenge for Derby is a trip to Sixfields to face 14th placed Northampton Town, who, despite having a lot of talent, are winless in five games.

The Cobblers will be eager to put right their bad run of form and so it won't be an easy trip for the Rams who are looking to get their fifth win in a row.

"They will want to win," Warne said, "I love watching Northampton play and after they played us in October they went on a really good run. They will want to win at home.

"We'll take a good away following, so that always gives the home team a boost as well. They are really well coached and they will want to win. It's a tough time of the season, it makes it difficult to get back-to-back wins. I know that this game at the weekend will be as hard as Bolton was last week."

As league leaders Portsmouth don't play this weekend, it will give Derby the chance to put some pressure on their rivals and come within three points.