Rowett demands winning mentality

UPBEAT: Gary Rowett GARY ROWETT feels Derby County are approaching today’s final-day encounter in a positive frame of mind.

The Rams head into the clash against Barnsley knowing a point will secure their place in the Championship play-offs.

Sitting in sixth two points clear of Preston and with a vastly superior goal difference, Derby have their destiny very much in their own hands.

But the same applies to Barnsley, who only sit outside the relegation zone on goal difference.

Rowett, 44, insists his side will be going all out for the win.

He said: “We can’t go out for a draw, it’s as simple as that.

“We have to be on the front foot and try to win this game.

“When you think back to those moments earlier in the season after the games at Sheffield United

(3-1 defeat) and Bristol City (4-1 defeat), we would have been very pleased to be where we are.

“The last three performances, in different ways, have been incredibly positive.

“It feels like there’s a good vibe around the place.

“You can go into that last game of the season feeling nervous and not in good form but it’s the opposite for us at the moment.

“I think we’re all excited and looking forward to it. We are all very confident.”

Meanwhile, Barnsley playmaker Adam Hammill insists he would sacrifice his winners’ medals to ensure his side maintain their Championship status at Derby today.

The winger helped the club to Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and League One play-off success in the

2015-16 campaign but says staying in the second tier of English football is more important.

Hammill, 30, said: “That’s history, this is now.

“It is more important to stay in the league than revel in past glory.

“And for me, you’ve got to enjoy it. You’ve got to stand out.

“Walk out with your chest out, head held high and put a performance on for the fans, yourself and your family.

“And we owe the fans a performance because we’ve maybe not hit our expectations this season.” Derby v Barnsley Today, 12.30pm