Paul Warne makes Charlton Athletic admission ahead of Derby County clash

Derby County manager Paul Warne has admitted that Charlton Athletic are “bigger than League One” ahead of tomorrow’s clash at Pride Park.

The Rams – fifth in League One – have not picked up all three points in their past two outings, losing at Wycombe and drawing with Lincoln City.

Charlton won the reverse fixture 1-0 back in August, with a second-half strike from Corey Blackett-Taylor sealing the win for the South Londoners.

Derby had gone 15 games unbeaten earlier in the season.

Max Bird and James Chester are the long-term injury concerns for Paul Warne’s side.

Dean Holden’s Addicks head to Pride Park 11th in League One after beating Forest Green Rovers 1-0 in midweek.

“My very good friend is the manager there, and they have had some good results in recent weeks,” ex-Rotherham boss Warne told Derby’s official website.

“They have picked up. The way they play means that they like to control the game. They’re a very good footballing side, but do have very good outlets out wide.

“They’re similar to us really – they set up in a sort of similar way.

“I expect them to come here and attack us – it will have a different feel from the game on Tuesday [against Lincoln].

“They will bring the game to us and they will see us as a team they want to beat.

“There are a lot of teams in this league who have had the touches of the Premier League, and their club is bigger than League One.

“Charlton are definitely one of them. They will see beating a team who are currently in the top six as a big scalp.

“I know how motivated they will be and how hard they will work out of possession.

“We will have to be at our very best to beat them.”

HOLDEN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD