BILLY Davies today told his Nottingham Forest players he wants it to be 'business as usual' when they face fierce rivals Derby County tomorrow.

The Reds boss wants his side to produce the same level of performance as they have shown so far this season at the City Ground.

But, while he appreciates the additional importance the game in the eyes of supporters, he has also told his players they should treat it like any other game.

"We have been excellent in our games so far, with the exception of Watford," said Davies.

"We can't be anything but pleased with the way things are going.

"We are disappointed not to have more points. But it will be business as usual and that is the message to the players.

"They have to go into the game and compete, because that is necessary in a local derby.

"If they can compete, we have the quality right through the side to cause them problems.

"I know what this game means to supporters, but they need to realise we need more than one win to get ourselves up towards the Premier League.

"It is not about two or three matches during the season, it is about the whole campaign.

"We want three points from every game of the season, including Derby."

Davies is convinced Forest are playing well enough to take the three points that have so far eluded them.

"As I have said to the guys in midweek, if we are not playing well and creating chances, I would be concerned, because we have not got the points on the board that we should," he said.

"People can try to turn positives into negatives, but the facts are that we should have had more points than we have.

"Performance wise, I am delighted."

Davies is likely to name the same back four that played so well against Middlesbrough in midweek, with Joel Lynch still an injury doubt with his back.

"Joel is still a major concern but, touch wood, we have no other injuries to report," he said.

"But it is all positive at the moment and we will go into this game with the attitude that we will work very hard and get the fans the result they want."