Expert view: 'First goal so important in Rams' games'

The mood was good at Moor Farm as head coach Paul Warne joined us in the media room immediately following his team meeting.

Normally after a defeat, the training ground can be a downbeat place at any football club, but there was an optimism in Derby's Warne that suggested he was pleased with what he saw for the 76 minutes after they were 2-0 down at home to Swansea City just 14 minutes into the game on Wednesday night.

That’s where the questions began. How does this Derby team start at 0-0 with the same tempo and standards going into Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday?

A player that could be key to an improved Derby side is the well-documented David Ozoh.

After months of awaiting news, the injured midfielder is back fit. Last week's introduction to training was welcomed with excitement by the supporters, but this morning Warne said there is "no chance" he will feature against Sheffield Wednesday and suggested he could be a further couple of weeks away after some discomfort running.

The Rams are yet to win when they have conceded the first goal and have won five of the eight in which they have opened the scoring. Warne admitted they have to start faster with what he perceives to be a low-scoring game in the Championship this season.

In Derby’s case, that is certainly true, having only been involved in two games that have had more than three goals this season.