Jewell - No fears over desire

Rams chief happy with players' response

Last updated: 10th April 2008

derby manager paul jewell wigan

Jewell: Happy with players

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Derby boss Paul Jewell has no fears over his side's motivation for the rest of the season despite their relegation.

The Rams' fate was sealed by the 2-2 draw with fellow strugglers Fulham at the end of last month after a disastrous campaign in the Premier League.

Derby face Aston Villa this weekend and Jewell insists his players will continue to give their all for the remainder of the season.

"Well I think you have seen in the players' performance against Everton and even Fulham motivation won't be a problem," Jewell told Sky Sports News.

Responded

"We know we have been relegated, not mathematically, but realistically for some time and the players have responded well.

"It was a good performance against Fulham and a really good performance against Everton without getting the result the performance deserved.

"With 32,000 supporters in the stadium [against Villa] it shouldn't be too difficult to get up for a bit of a derby game."

Jewell admits he is unlikely to blood too many youngsters in the final few games of the campaign as he does not have many options available to him.

Difficult

"It is difficult trying to bring youngsters into a team struggling and we have not got a lot of options at the moment.

"There might be one or two brought in but it can be unfair on those players bringing them in.

"If a young player deserves a chance from the youth team I will put him in but I have not got too many to choose from."