John Eustace is mindful of Luton Town’s Premier League experience but says Derby County will be ready for their crunch Championship clash on Good Friday.
With both sides fighting against relegation at the foot of the table, the Easter showdown is one of the games of the day in what is becoming a gripping battle for survival.
Derby are currently outside the drop zone where they lead third-bottom Cardiff City by a point and a win at Pride Park in the 12.30pm kick-off would give their odds of survival a major boost.
For Luton it is a must-win game if they are to avoid a second consecutive relegation after dropping out of the top flight last season.
Speaking ahead of visit of Matt Bloomfield’s side, Eustace said: “It is another tough game on Friday. Luton have lots of experience, Premier League experience.
“They recruited very well over the summer and in January.
“We know it’s going to be a really difficult game, but it’s another one we’re looking forward to.
“It’s all about the next challenge ahead.
“If you start looking too far ahead and getting carried away with things, then it can be a problem.
“The most important thing is that now we focus on a really tough test on Friday, and one we’ll be prepared for.”
Derby go into the game on the back of a spirited performance at Portsmouth where they were denied a win by a late Rob Atkinson goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Fratton Park.
And Eustace said he was pleased with the players’ spirit with Derby having lost just once in their last seven games.
“The way the lads battled and kept to the task was really pleasing,” he said.
“Obviously, to take the lead twice and to be pegged back twice is disappointing.
“Overall, Fratton Park is a very difficult place to go to. The game was hectic.
“It was end-to-end, and I was just proud of the way the lads went about their business.
“The mood’s really good and we gained a good point on Saturday at Portsmouth.
“The lads had a day off on Sunday and came back in on Monday to start our work again.”
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