Derby's John Eustace optimistic of his side's level ahead of West Brom trip

The Rams are winless in four and only outside the drop zone on goal difference ahead of the clash at The Hawthorns.

Eustace, the former midfielder, Kidderminster Harriers and Blues boss, was appointed in February to replace Paul Warne when he swapped Blackburn for Pride Park.

He had been linked with the vacant Hawthorns post after Carlos Corberan's exit but it is understood he was not interviewed for the role.

Eustace has an immediate effect on Derby and guided them to four straight wins to ease concern of a drop back to League One at the first attempt. The run of victories included an effort against his former side Blackburn.

But form has dried up in April with just two points returned from a possible 12. Good Friday's frustrating 1-0 home defeat to rivals Luton, via an early goal, opened up the relegation dogfight and drew the Hatters level on points with Eustace's side.

"The Championship is relentless, and we couldn't get the points that we wanted, of course, but the attitude was great," said Eustace.

"The effort was there for all to see. We're doing the right things.

"The first half wasn't us, the second half was more like us, and now we've got to build on that and go into the game on Monday feeling confident."

A forgettable 2-1 defeat at Pride Park on Boxing Day was the start of life after Carlos Corberan for the Baggies, less than 48 hours after the Spaniard's departure.

Derby were then under ex-Rotherham boss Warne, who got them out of the third tier at the second attempt in charge.

"It was a big game with a full house, but we just couldn't get going for whatever reason," added Eustace. "Luton set up very well, made it very difficult for us, and we couldn't adapt to that. In the second half we did, but we just couldn't get the goal.

"Of course, it (the second half performance) does encourage us. Today was an opportunity that we couldn't take.

"We've got another opportunity now at West Bromwich Albion and we'll prepare properly and see where that takes us. The most important thing is that we showed that fighting spirit today. I think we've shown that since I've been at the football club, and we will keep going."

The Rams have lost first-choice goalkeeper to a Jacob Widell Zetterstrom fractured eye socket, with Josh Vickers deputising. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is also missing with a facial injury.