Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cotterill has said that his side are ready to meet rivals Derby County this afternoon.

Cotterill, whose club are still dealing with the loss of their owner, expects a passionate performance from his side, but insists that cooler heads will prevail at Pride Park.

"We've got to make sure we play with fire in our bellies but with ice in our heads," he told the club's official website. "We've got to make sure we keep all of our players on the pitch – it's important that we do that.

"By the time the game comes we will be prepared enough and ready for the challenge ... one that we're all looking forward to. This could be the sort of game that could kick-start the remainder of the season for us."

Forest are currently second from bottom in the Championship, five points from safety.