Derby striker Dean Sturridge has stood by club chairman Lionel Pickering after he hit out at angry fans. Unfortunately for Pickering, the Rams lost 5-0 to Sunderland two days later and they are still feeling the after-effects of that defeat, with last Saturday's reverse against Bradford another setback.

But 26-year-old Sturridge, who is on the transfer list, launched a strong defence of his chairman as he said: ''Lionel Pickering has got his heart in the club totally. Whatever he says, I'll back him because we're in the Premier League now and we weren't when he came here. He's always had time for myself and made sense.

''Lionel Pickering wants Derby County to do well and he has a right to say whatever he likes and give his opinions. What Jim Smith has done over the four years has been brilliant and if people sit back and look at that, they should appreciate what's been achieved at Derby County against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, who have £40m or £50m to spend and get 55,000 every week.

''We've finished 12th, 10th and eighth. Each year there's been progress. I'm not saying we'll finish sixth this year but people should still be happy that Derby County are holding their own.''

Jacob Laursen (ankle), Darryl Powell (knee) and Deon Burton (hamstring) should return at The Dell. However, Stefano Eranio is very doubtful with a hamstring problem and deputy keeper Mart Poom is out for another month after a wrist operation.

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