Derbies are my passion

Derby v Nottm Forest Tomorrow, 7.45pm

TOM HUDDLESTONE reckons the chance to take part again in tomorrow’s East

Midlands derby was a big part of his decision to rejoin the Rams.

The Nottingham-born former Tottenham and England midfielder first played in the clash 15 years ago and tomorrow at the ipro Stadium will be his fifth time. He has never been on the losing side, with Derby winning three of those.

Huddlestone (below) said: “Fifteen years is a long time but they still mean as much to me now as they did then. “Everyone knows the general rivalry but, on a personal level, being born and raised in Nottingham, my family are Forest fans. I’m living back in Nottingham now, and being let go by them when I was a kid, that all makes for a good mix.

“I was there from Under-9s to Under-12s and was let go.

“But a few weeks later I signed for Derby at the start of the Under-13s season and kicked on fairly quickly after that.”

Derby’s Frank Lampard can name an unchanged line-up to that which beat Wigan away last week.

Aitor Karanka will let Huddlestone’s ex-spurs pal Michael Dawson and Danny Fox prove their fitness, with Tobias Figueiredo still banned.