Derby boss Steve McClaren says his team are full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off final against QPR.
The Rams have been transformed since McClaren left a short-term coaching role at Loftus Road to take over as Derby manager in October.
He had an immediate impact and their first league defeat under him came against QPR a month later, after which their form saw them finish above the R’s in the table and means they have been touted as slight favourites for this weekend’s game at Wembley.
“We are spreading the word that Derby is back and buzzing again,” McClaren declared.
“We are doing the job we came here to do and we are doing it very quickly. The surprise is the speed of everything.
“From the first game at QPR at Loftus Road we had no belief in ourselves really.
“Now the team has got belief and that has spread to the fans, the community and everybody.”
Rangers will have the edge in terms of experience, with many of their team having played on big occasions at a higher level.
There have therefore been question marks over how Derby’s younger side will handle the day.
But McClaren said: “I have said to the boys they will really enjoy the atmosphere. If you don’t, you shouldn’t be in the game.
“We have had many big tests and many big pressure games. Each game is a test and each one they keep passing. This is another big one to pass.”
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This post was last modified on 21/05/2014