Steve McClaren has challenged his promotion-chasing Derby side to reach the 80-point barrier.

The third-placed Rams got to 72 with Tuesday’s 3-1 Championship win at Blackpool.

And the former England boss told his team: “Just keep it going.

“To get over 70 points is massive,” said McClaren ahead of the Pride Park meeting with Town, when depending on results elsewhere, Derby could clinch a play-off place as they aim to reclaim the Premier League place lost in 2008.

“But there is always another barrier, and the next one is 80.

“We have got to keep performing, keep doing what we have done all season and we will be okay.

“The key is to remain focused and expect the season to go on and not to relax. Once you do that, you are dead in the water.

“You have got to keep momentum going game by game. Once teams lose focus, it is very difficult to get it back.”

Midfielders Jamie Ward (hamstring) and Jeff Hendrick (hip) are both in contention to return for Derby.

Former Sheffield United and Chesterfield player Ward, pictured above, has missed the last four matches, having been a regular starter previously.

Academy product Hendrick’s run of four starts ended on Tuesday when he missed the Blackpool game.

Hot prospect Will Hughes returned in place on Hendrick and McClaren said: “He showed great energy. He was a bit rusty at the beginning but he grew into the game.

“He and Craig Bryson have such energy and George Thorne (on loan from West Brom) was excellent again in controlling the game.

“It is a good balance we have in there.”

McClaren, who started the season on the coaching panel at Championship rivals QPR, has been at the helm since late September, when he replaced Nigel Clough, and has chalked up 18 wins in 33 games.

Clough, of course, aims to lead Sheffield United to the FA Cup final when his side take on Hull in tomorrow’s semi-final at Wembley.

The big tie will be watched by Town keeper Ian Bennett, a former Blades player.

The other semi, at Wembley today, pits Championship side and holders Wigan against Arsenal.

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