Johnson relishing Rams tie

Lee Johnson: looking forward to Derby game

ATHLETIC return to Boundary Park tonight for the opening home game of the 2013-14 season — a mouth-watering Capital One Cup first-round tie against Championship big-guns Derby County (7.45pm kick-off).

Lee Johnson’s new-look side got the new Sky Bet League One campaign off to a dream start on Saturday with a breathtaking 4-3 victory at Stevenage.

But the Rams will be a different proposition - and manager Johnson is relishing the prospect.

“My grey hairs and my heart took a bit of a pasting on Saturday,” he said. “But the important thing is we’re gelling now and we’re only going to get better with every game.

“It’s a different test tonight, though. Derby have got some good players — they’re an established Championship side. They’re probably one of the top eight or 10 sides in the country in terms of fan base, their support and the stadium.

“It’s a fantastic draw for us where we can pit ourselves against a good club and a good manager.

“Derby boss Nigel Clough will be positive going into tonight, but I’ve got a lot of belief in our lads.

“Of course I believe we can win the game, but there will be no complacency. We’re going to have to be at our maximum and have everything going for us.”

Johnson reported a few niggles following Saturday’s eye-catching victory at the Lamex Stadium, but he’s not going to be a boss who may consider resting players for the cup competitions.

Confidently eyeing what would be an upset if Athletic were to make progress tonight, Johnson added: “I always pick my strongest side to win each game. That’s the way I’ll go forward.

“You have to think about the three games in a week scenario, but the cup competitions are always important to a club like ours.

“The revenue is very important, so without doubt we’ll be going to try to win the game.

“The lads will be able to see exactly where they are too, compared to a Championship-standard player.”

Cristian Montano, James Dayton, Jose Baxter and Connor Brown all picked up knocks during Saturday’s bruising encounter, but Johnson is hopeful they will all be available for selection tonight.

It’s pay on the turnstiles for Athletic fans this evening. Tickets issued in Capital One’s two-for-one offer are sold out.