ROVERS boss Tony Mowbray has called Derby “a dangerous team” ahead of tonight’s clash at Ewood Park.

Wayne Rooney’s men have won 11 games this season but find themselves in the bottom three after being deducted 21 points due to their problems off the pitch.

Mowbray is prepared for a tough test against the Rams and insists they have “technically good players”.

“They are tough games. That was us five years ago, scrambling to try and get out of the bottom three,” said the Rovers chief.

“Like Derby are doing, we made a decent fist of it. I think we lost three out of the last 15 games but still managed to go down.

“Derby are making a really good fight of it. I looked at the statistics of their game at Bournemouth at the weekend. They had more possession than Bournemouth, which is no mean feat.

“They are a possession-based team, they try and build from the back. They’ve got technically good players.

“Our fans will know Tom Lawrence for instance, cutting in from the left onto his right foot. He plays narrow and can shoot from 30 yards.

“I was surprised when I looked at their squad sheet really of how deep it goes – Kazim-Richards on the bench and Knight and young Sibley, some really good young footballers.

“They’re a dangerous team. They’re fighting for their lives and every ball will be contested. As we’re fighting to get points to keep us up in the top six, they’re fighting to get out of the bottom three.”

Former Manchester United and England forward Rooney has received praise for the job he has done at Pride Park this season.

Mowbray has been impressed with the job he has done this season given the noise surrounding the club.

He added: “I think in adversity, Wayne has done exceptionally well. I think he’s got some good people around him in his staff but he’s headed it up more than well really.

“There is a lot of focus on him as such a world-class player but here he is cutting his teeth in management and doing a really sterling job in the situation.

“Derby are a big, big club. Without their troubles, you would expect them to be up near the top six I would suggest. Frank Lampard got them to a play-off final.

“I think with all the stuff going on – the administration, the potential takeover, the potential liquidation – to keep putting out performances like they are doing is a great credit to them.

“It’s a huge burden and I think Wayne has carried that really well and his team are still playing good football and fighting for survival. I wish them well personally but after Tuesday night.”