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DAVIES: DON'T JUDGE US YET
Billy Davies has warned against reading too much into the shape and balance of Derby County's team at this stage of pre-season and before new signings arrive.
Davies, who takes his Rams side to Mansfield tonight, is striving to strengthen the squad and has a number of offers on the table for players, including Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson.
"I don't think we can really start to look at shape and pattern until we get the personnel we want," he said.
"At the moment, the pre-season games are all about fitness and giving the players match action.
"We are looking to bring in new players and only when we get them in can we start to fill the gaps. We know where we need to strengthen and the type of player we need.
"I have to say that the work rate and attitude of the players in the squad has been first-class, and we have many good players at the club but we have to add to the squad to raise the level of competition."
Derby's clash with League Two outfit Mansfield Town at Field Mill (7.45pm) will be their third pre-season fixture having beaten FC Gratkorn and MK Dons.
Darren Moore has recovered from a groin strain and starts while goalkeeper Lee Grant is due to play 90 minutes after Lee Camp played a full game against MK Dons.
Davies will take a 20-man squad and plans to give all the out-field players time on the pitch.
"As I said, these games are fitness exercises and it is important to try to get through the game without picking up injuries," said Davies.
Derby County (from): Grant, Camp, Edworthy, Jackson, Moore, M Johnson, Nyatanga, Boertien, Bisgaard, Bolder, Idiakez, Thirlwell, S Johnson, Barnes, Holmes, Smith, Peschisolido, Doyle, Ainsworth, Meredith.