Nottingham Forest manager Alex McLeish has admitted that he is hoping to continue his success in local derby matches against Derby County on Saturday.

McLeish has managed teams in many local encounters, most notably the Glasgow derby when he managed Rangers, and he has acknowledged that derby success can go a long way in winning the supporters over early in his tenure at the East Midlands club.

McLeish told the Nottingham Evening Post: "It is always an important challenge for a manager, particularly when you are taking on a new job, to win a derby game.

"I know the importance that comes with this fixture. I also know that winning this game would go down very well with our fans.

"I don't have a bad record in derby fixtures. I had a great spell against Celtic. Hopefully I can get a win in my first East Midlands derby."

McLeish picked up his first victory as Forest boss last weekend with a 2-1 win over Peterborough United.