Martyn Waghorn has insisted Derby County’s players are relishing the prospect of facing a number of promotion rivals over Christmas.
Derby will take on Sheffield United, Norwich City and Middlesbrough over the festive period as well as heading to table-toppers Leeds United early in the New Year.
Waghorn, who was on target in the 1-1 home draw against Bristol City on Saturday, believes the Rams can take confidence from their displays against sides at the top end of the table this term.
Frank Lampard’s side occupy fifth place in the Sky Bet Championship at the halfway stage and have tasted defeat just once against opposition in the top six.
First up is a trip to Sheffield United, who Derby defeated 2-1 at Pride Park Stadium back in October, on Boxing Day.
Speaking to RamsTV, Waghorn said: “Looking back, we have done fairly well against quite a few of the sides at the top end and we should take a lot of confidence from that.
“The Sheffield United game in October was straight after the international break and while we didn’t play great on the day, we managed to get the win.
“We ground the result out and that’s the sign of a good team. I hope we can use that (reminder of results against those sides at the top) going into these games.
“We’ve got some difficult matches and we’re going to need the squad. I am sure it’ll be used over the next week or so.
“It’s going to be tough, but this is what we’re here for. Everyone knows that the Christmas period is about and we are excited about being involved.”
Football at Christmas is one of the highlights on the fixture schedule.
While for many the festive season is a chance to relax and unwind, it’s the polar opposite for footballers.
Waghorn says the Rams’ spirit in the squad, particularly at this time of the year, is vital – and he has praised the atmosphere in the dressing room.
He said: “For me, it’s one of the best group of lads I’ve been with.
“We’ve got a great mix in the dressing room. We have a lot of experience but also a number of young lads too and they add something to the team.
“When I first signed, coming to a club like this, you naturally wonder how you’re going to fit in. To be honest, they’ve all been brilliant and I’ve loved every minute of it.
“We’ve got a bit of banter going on today (Christmas Eve) as we’ve all done Secret Santa. It’s a busy time of year with some big games so it’s nice to have that bit of fun too.”
Waghorn’s goal against Bristol City at the weekend was his first at Pride Park – and his first since sustaining a hamstring injury in early November.
The summer signing from Ipswich Town admitted he was relieved to find the back of the net, but the frontman isn’t resting on his laurels.
He’s keen to kick on in the second half of the campaign and said: “I enjoyed it and I kind of needed that goal.
“To mark my return to the team with a goal was pleasing. Now I want to try and build on that. I know I need to keep pushing and keep working hard to try and stay in the side.”
On his goal against the Robins, he added: “The manager said beforehand that it was important to attack balls into the box and I managed to get across the defender and guide the ball into the net.
“Mason did really well to keep the ball in play in the first instance and then whip the ball into the near post. I knew that was the sort of area he was going to put the ball in to so I attacked that area and get the goal.”
