Derby County tipped for quick return by Martin O'Neill

Apr 11 2008

DERBY have been backed to make an immediate return to the Premier League by Martin O'Neill.

Paul Jewell's side are rock-bottom with just one win to their name all season and seeking another four points from their final five games just to level Sunderland's lowest Premier League haul of 15 points.

"I don't see why they can't come straight back," said O'Neill.

"If I'm looking at the very strongest Premier League clubs - the best supported teams and the clubs most worthy of being in the Premier League - Derby would be in there.

"They have the wherewithal.

"The history of Derby County is there and the old Baseball Ground is historic," added O'Neill, a frequent visitor to the old ground as a player with rivals Nottingham Forest.

He continued: "I have to be selfish and concern myself with what happens to us but they really are a Premier League club and they have everything there with the fan base to achieve it.

"They just need to regroup again."

O'Neill is expecting a little flak tomorrow dating back to his Forest connections.

"I've been to Derby with Leicester and as an ex-Nottingham Forest player, I expect some stick, but it's not a major problem. I'm more concerned about the game itself," he said.