The Rams’ ace’s claim should provide the Tigers with an extra incentive to secure their play-off spot
John Eustace in conversation with Sammie Szmodics (Image: Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Derby County forward Sammie Szmodics has claimed the Pride Park dressing room are confident of overpowering Hull City and claiming a play-off place.
The Rams, who edged past struggling Oxford United on Saturday moved three points behind City with just three games to play and sit eighth, a point adrift of Wrexham who in turn are two behind Sergej Jakirovic’s Tigers.
Derby have claimed six wins in their last 10 games, while City have laboured in recent weeks with just one win in six, and were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City on Saturday.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page
City, Wrexham and Derby are all in action away from home over the next few days, with games at Leicester City, Oxford United and Norwich City respectively, to come for the trio all chasing that final play-off spot.
Szmodics, though, has been bullish in his assessment, suggesting the Rams’ dressing room has a firm belief that it will be they who secure a play-off berth in the final few days of another captivating campaign, and not City or Wrexham.
On loan from Ipswich Town, Szmodics was also keen to stress he has six more games in the East Midlands, and not three, so convinced is he his side will go to Wembley and win the final next month.
“We had some chances, but the beliefs there. A big three points for us on that play-off push. We’re not going anywhere. It’s massive for us,” he told BBC Radio Derby.
“We’re in that changing room, we know we’re making the play-offs. That’s the only thing we’re speaking about in that changing room. We know we’re making the play-offs, even before this game (against Oxford United). People can write us off, other teams can write us off, but we know we’re making it.
“That wasn’t our best performance, but this time of the season, you just need to grind out results, and it’s a massive 1-0 win. It gives us that confidence going into a tough Carrow Road game on Tuesday night.
“We’ve got so much more to come in this last three games, so many more goals to come. I think defensively we were top again. The confidence is flying through the team, it’s an important win, it’s probably one we did need. Without putting too much pressure on ourselves, it’s a bit of a must-win game that, and we’ve got it, and like I said, we can relax and look forward to Tuesday night.”
The Republic of Ireland international is set for showdown talks over his future at Portman Road this summer, but says he’s relaxed about what happens, given he expects to guide Derby into the Premier League.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying myself here and I love it and the spirit,” he continued. “The connection between the fans and the players is there, and they’ll help us get into that final play-off place.
“We’ve got six games because we’re gonna get into that play-off final, like I said, and we’re gonna win, so I’ve got six games left at this club, and then listen, the summer takes care of itself. I’m thoroughly enjoying my football.”
Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.