James Shan says West Brom have chance to gain momentum for play-offs against Derby
Watch Derby v West Brom live on Sky Sports Football from 12pm on Sunday; kick-off is at 12:30pm
Friday 3 May 2019 15:21, UK
West Bromwich Albion caretaker manager James Shan says his side have a chance to build momentum before the Sky Bet Championship play-offs when they face Derby on Sunday at Pride Park.
The Baggies have registered 10 points from a possible 15 during April, scoring 11 goals in the process, as Shan's side remain fourth in the Championship table.
The promotion contenders can have a major influence on whether Derby finish in the top six this season; if the Rams fail to win and either Middlesbrough and Bristol City win their respective matches on Sunday, their play-off position would be in jeopardy.
Shan said: "We need to tackle the opposition regardless of our position, our last two away games have been negative results, it's about gaining that momentum.
"The goal remains the same, it's to try and get promotion back to the Premier League where we belong.
"There's excitement among the players but they are focused and professional to do everything within our power to gain promotion."
Shan took over from Darren Moore in March 2019 after his predecessor was sacked with the Baggies fourth in the Championship table; a position which the caretaker manager has consolidated since he took temporary charge.
Despite sealing their play-off place, and recording six wins, two draws and one defeat since he succeeded Moore in the dugout at The Hawthorns, the former Baggies youth team coach is taking nothing for granted ahead of their final regular season match.
"Derby have a very good playing side," Shan added. "They have good quality in the final third, they were good on the evening at the Hawthorns but we are aware of the threat that they pose.
"It's about doing the job in hand. When Darren first departed, I was instructed to do a job at the football club. The focus is on the next few games.
"It's foolish for us to put anyone at risk who would play a key part in the play-off games. There are two weeks in between the matches so we can assess our playing squad."
