“If we want to close the gap, we have to win games!” Nothing groundbreaking there, but a frank assessment from Yann Kermorgant as he looks to help the team climb the table… Derby offer the next challenge on Saturday.
“Back to back wins would be perfect before the international break.
“Of course, Derby is a really good team and they are in good form, and away from home it won’t be easy. But the game against Nottingham Forest gave us some confidence for the trip on Saturday.”
The forward, who picked up an injury in pre-season, is edging back to fuller involvement. 15 minutes from the bench against Middlesbrough was followed up with half an hour against Nottingham Forest in midweek.
“It’s still long way to go – I’ve been out for almost four months without a pre-season,” he continued.
“I’ve been working on my own with the physios, who have done very well to be fair!
“Now I need some match fitness. When you’re in pre-season, you have friendlies to build up fitness.
“But when you’re injured you come back and you have to try to get some minutes in each game to get fitter and fitter. Hopefully I will be fully fit soon.”