'Pressure makes diamonds'

JERRY Yates has backed Derby County to cope with the pressure of today’s Championship relegation showdown against Portsmouth (3pm).

- By BRIAN DICK

The loan striker, who returned to the team for the draw against Burnley having been ineligible to feature against his parent club Swansea City last weekend, is set to continue up front for the trip to Fratton Park.

It is an encounter that could see the Rams go above Pompey if they win, not only massively boosting their own survival hopes but dragging John Mousinho’s men back into the battle near the bottom three.

Indeed, Mousinho is all too aware of what’s on the line having seen his side concede late goals in the last three matches, including a stoppage time winner at Coventry City on Wednesday evening.

The Pompey boss claims that has made this weekend’s game ‘monumental’.