NIGEL Clough today said he hopes to return to the City Ground with Derby County again next season – because that will mean neither side has been relegated from the Championship.

The Rams boss admitted he has great sympathy with the plight of his former club and is desperate to see them survive, so that the East Midlands rivalry can be maintained next season.

"My heart does go out to Forest, we really hope we are playing them in the Championship again next season," said Clough, who masterminded his second success of the season at the City Ground.

"I'd like Leicester to come up as well so we can renew that East Midlands rivalry in the Championship.

"I honestly hope they survive, even if a few Derby fans might not say the same.

"I sincerely hope that we are back here next season battling away with them again."

Clough does not believe Derby are yet safe themselves in the Championship, despite a fine recent run.

"Although we have had four wins on the bounce, we are far from safe and we have a lot of work to do yet before we can relax and guarantee our place in the Championship," said Clough, who spent the match sat on the wall next to the dugout.

"I sat there because there is a little sign just next to it that says 'away dugout' that was helpful just to remind me," he said.

"It reminded me that I was the away team and, having been here for a number of years, that was helpful."

Despite a vibrant start to his Derby career, Clough played down his impact so far, since joining from Burton Albion.

"I am a long way from proving anything, it has only been six weeks. Maybe in six months or six years I might be able to say that," he said.

"But I am not going to say that after six weeks. We are a long way from proving anything yet.

"Derby should not be in the position we are in and, if we can guide them to safety this season, it will be the first sign that we are achieving something.

"We have had a tough few weeks, we were given the run around by Manchester United but we bounced back with two wins and seven goals. I am very pleased.

"It was strange coming back here, although I have been here fairly regularly. It was still a strange feeling to walk down the tunnel however."

Clough was full of praise for Kris Commons – who defied the jeers on his return to his former club to produce an outstanding performance – insisting he was a more dangerous player than he had been in his pomp.

"Kris was very good indeed, particularly considering that he had taken a couple of kicks," he said.

"He and Rob Hulse were a problem whenever they had the ball. It was a very mature performance against his former club.

"We thought it might help him, having been here once already a few weeks ago, and he was better again. Next season he will be more than useful.

"Commons is a better player than me, he has the ability to score goals. He can score stunning goals, he can play for the team and has that bit of individual brilliance as well, that can change the course of a game."

Clough continues to play himself – but limits it to the occasional performance in Burton's reserves.

"I don't think Roy (McFarland) will pick me for the Burton first team, with the results they are getting at the moment – although I am trying to keep ticking over in the reserves," he joked.

"My registration has remained with Burton. If Derby wanted me there would be a transfer fee involved – and we don't have the money for that."