Frank Lampard is hoping Derby can hold their nerve in the chase for a top six finish.

The Rams are one of several sides in the chasing pack looking to break in to the play-off spots before the end of the season.

The Rams led three times on Saturday at Brentford but had to settle for a point in an entertaining game on Saturday which ended all square.

Next up is a trip to Ewood Park where despite Rovers, poor run, Lampard is expecting a tough assignment, in what is expected to be a crucial set of midweek fixtures.

“Brentford gave us a tough game and it will be the same at Blackburn,” the Derby boss said.

“But I feel we’re in good form and it’s an opportunity for us.

“Mentally, physically, it is a test for all of us, but we must see it as a challenge.

“Pressure can make strange things happen.

“We need to make sure we deal with it as well as we can.”

Derby will be forced in to at least one change tonight, with left back Scott Malone ruled out from a rib injury.

That will see former England international Ashley Cole come in at left back for what will be just a fourth Championship start.

“Scott has a rib injury and he won’t be available for Blackburn.

“I don’t know how soon he will be fit and it is a painful injury that he suffered,” Lampard said in his pre-match press conference.

“I had a rib injury myself as a player and I know the pain it can cause.

“He has been struggling to sleep at night because of the pain, but hopefully we can get that down and get him back and involved soon.”

Curtis Davies, Craig Forsyth, Andy King and former Rovers full back Marcus Olsson remain long-term absentees and will be unavailable.

However, in a boost to Lampard’s options, 11 goal striker Martyn Waghorn has been passed fit despite being substituted in the second half of the Griffin Park draw with a dead leg.

On the 29-year-old, Lampard said: “Martyn had a dead leg but he’s recovered.

“He will be alright to make the trip to Blackburn.”