Rovers boss Tony Mowbray believes Derby are rightly pressing for a top six spot given the quality they possess.

The Rams arrive at Ewood Park two points outside of the play-off spots after an entertaining 3-3 draw at Brentford on Saturday.

That followed a 6-1 demolition of Rotherham as the Rams have found their shooting boots.

They have however, won just two of their last nine matches, but Mowbray knows the threats they possess.

He said: “They are a decent football team and rightly so are pressing around the top six to try and be one of those teams that can break in there. I watched their game at the weekend and it was a fantastic game of football, two really attacking sides.

“Derby were in front three times but kept getting pegged back.

“They have a lot of speed, athleticism, youthfulness, (Harry) Wilson, (Mason) Mount, players who have built big reputations for themselves this season. Tom Lawrence off one side, and Duane Holmes who they brought in from Scunthorpe has done fantastically well and fits in to those quick, sharp, intelligent footballers they have at the top end of the pitch.

“They have experience at the back, with Richard Keogh and Ashley Cole.”

Despite Rovers’ run, six of their nine defeats have been by one goal, and have failed to score in four of their last home fixtures. 

And the boss added: “It feels like fine margins. If we were out of games and not looking like getting the opposition goal then that would be a concern. That’s not the case.

“First and foremost the team are work very hard. I’ve said this of the last few years that I’m very fortunate to work with a group of human beings who want to work hard and achieve together.

“They are hugely frustrated and talking about the fine margins that aren’t falling our way.

“It’s the old adage in this game, you have to make your own luck, keeping getting in the right areas and it will change.

“We also need to try and find a clean sheet at home.”