Paul Warne says "all our attention is on Saturday" as the Rams prepare for Barnsley clash

Derby County prepare to face promotion rivals Barnsley this week as they'll be looking to extend their five game unbeaten run.

The Tykes are just six points behind the Rams with a game in hand in fourth place so they will be desperate to win and catch up to Paul Warne's Derby.

Saturday could prove to be arguably the biggest game of the season for both sides as they are chasing an automatic promotion spot.

Paul Warne was quick to empahsise the importance of Saturday's clash. Speaking to Rams TV, he said: "Anyone who's in the top six is doing really well.

"Barnsley play in a similar way with a lot of energy, they are one of the successful League One teams. So I know its going to be a really tough game, we’re trying to still chase the team above us.

"These are games you want to win, everything matters, to win it'll take everything because they're a good side. The lads will be right up for it, it'll be a big game for both clubs, all our attention is on Saturday."

The Rams come off the back of 1-0 win against Stevenage where they scored a late winning goal after 85 minutes of trying.

The atmosphere on Saturday at Pride Park was arguably the loudest it's been all season long, something that Warne says was crucial in helping the players.

He said: "For me as a manager winning 4-0 isn't as enjoyable as a dogged 1-0 late goal win with everyone in the stadium feeling that they wanted the team to win.

"If we do go up then everyone plays a part, the crowd play a massive part. In these games, the fans make a colossal difference, so I felt like it was the most prevalent where I felt like everyone was trying.

"The players really appreciated it and they all felt it, to score that late on was really enjoyable for me."

Barnsley vs Derby County kicks off at 3pm on Saturday 24 February.