Derby County defender Richard Keogh has acknowledged the importance of picking up a victory in this evening's East Midlands derby.

The Rams head into the game against arch rivals Nottingham Forest in high spirits, having dropped just four points in their last 10 outings.

Forest, on the other hand, are heading the opposite way down the Championship table after failing to pick up a win since mid-September.

Despite the contrasting form, Keogh believes that it will count for little when the two sides face off at the City Ground, with more than just three points on the line.

"It's a cliche, but form really does go out of the window for these games," he told the club's official website. "They will be looking to win the game just as much as we are going to and as a club, and as a squad as well, we know how much this game means to everyone.

"We have got to make sure that we keep our emotions in check, stay focused and just keep doing what we have been doing over the last 10 games.

"If we can do that then we give ourselves a good opportunity in the game. It's a great match to be involved in, one that you look for as soon as the fixtures are released and it has soon come around again."

Derby can climb to the top of the table should they claim maximum points, while a draw will take them into second place thanks to their superior goal difference over Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion.