Nottingham Forest clash excites Derby County boss Frank Lampard

Derby County manager Frank Lampard cannot wait to take on rivals Nottingham Forest as his team's battle for promotion hots up.

The two teams will compete for the Brian Clough Trophy in the latest edition of the East Midlands Derby, as both sides stay in touching distance of a play-off place.

Seventh-placed Derby are two points from the top six, but following their 1-0 defeat at Millwall, Lampard is keen for the team to respond.

"In the context of where we are in the league and how important it is for us to get the three points," Lampard said ahead of Monday night's clash, live on Sky Sports.

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"We have to give everything. We can't hide away from the fact that this game has something extra.

"I don't think it's a must win game in terms of the scheme of the league as there are 14 games left, but of course we go into the game looking to win it.

"I saw this as a transitional season when I came here and I think we are doing pretty well, because we're still in there fighting to get to the play-offs."

The Rams boss and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane have both been linked to take over from Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, but Lampard, Chelsea's all-time leading goal scorer, admitted the Blues' transfer embargo will have a huge impact.

"All the big clubs are always moving forward, in terms of recruitment and who they bring in, so of course it will be damaging," Lampard added. "They'll appeal it, so let them have that and see what the outcome is."

Coming up against fellow former player Roy Keane, Lampard admits he's looking forward to facing the Nottingham Forest partnership of Martin O'Neill and the assistant manager.

"I'm looking forward to it. I know Martin pretty well and have a huge amount of respect for him, as a manager and as a person," he said.

"I grew up loving Roy Keane as a player as well. He was someone I hugely looked up to as a young player coming through.

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"So I've got a lot of respect for the both of them. They're great football people and they'll make it a difficult task for us, I'm sure."

The Rams will definitely be without Chelsea loanee Mason Mount for the Championship clash, with the midfielder sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Tom Lawrence (ankle) could be a doubt.

Goalkeeper Scott Carson has returned to training and could be in contention for Monday.

Carson has been out of action for more than a month with a thigh injury, last featuring in Derby's 2-0 defeat at Leeds United back on January 11.

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