Derby County manager Frank Lampard has spoken in today's press conference of his respect for Nottingham Forest manager Martin O'Neill and assistant Roy Keane, ahead of the clash between the two sides at the City Ground on Monday.

The two sides meet for the first time in two months on Monday night, with both teams still well in the hunt for a play-off finish come the end of the season.

Since the Rams' last meeting with the Reds at Pride Park, there has been a change of management on Trentside, with experienced boss O'Neill still finding his feet as manager of the club he helped lift the European Cup twice back in 1979 and 1980.

The Reds' bid for promotion has stagnated since the departure of former boss Aitor Karanka, however, with Forest currently sitting six points off the play-offs despite playing a game more than Derby.

But speaking in his press conference (quotes from Derby Telegraph), Lampard spoke of his admiration for O'Neill, as well as his number two Roy Keane.

"I know Martin pretty well and have a huge amount of respect for him as a manager and a person. Roy Keane was someone I hugely respected as a player as well."

"They are both great footballing men, and I look forward to going up against them."

Derby will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Millwall in midweek - the result leaves the Rams sitting 7th in the Sky Bet Championship table, two points off the play-off spots.

The Verdict

It's good to see Lampard have a lot of respect for his Nottingham Forest counterparts, who are both still trying to stamp their authority at the City Ground.

It's fair to say that the managerial appointment of O'Neill hasn't panned out how the board and fans would have liked, after letting go of Aitor Karanka in the New Year.

You feel, though, that a win over Derby could really kickstart their season again and put their bid for promotion back on track. It's going to be a very tight game, I feel.