Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone has revealed he has more reason than most to savour this evening's Championship match between Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

The East Midlands derby is set to take place at Pride Park, with Forest knowing a win will lift them above the Rams and into fourth place. A win for Huddlestone's Derby would leave them third, a point clear of West Brom and six clear of their local rivals.

There's plenty to play for on both sides of the divide, but for former Spurs midfielder Huddlestone, the motivation is that little bit stronger. He reveals that, as a Nottingham lad, he has extra reason to impress this evening.

“Everyone knows the general rivalry but on a personal level, being born and raised in Nottingham, my family and friends are Nottingham Forest fans, and looking back now, being let go as a kid makes for a good mix,” he told the club's official website.

“As much as you want every game to feel similar, the two against Forest have a bit more significance for me and my family. I was at Forest from under 9s until under 12s so I had four seasons there and then I was let go."

That early knock could have destroyed the career of the youngster, but instead the Rams took him on and the rest, as they say, is history.

"At the time it was devastating, being a 12-year-old being told you're not quite good enough, and then a few weeks later I came to Derby at under 13s. I kicked on quickly after that.”

He's since made over 530 senior appearances, also taking in spells at Hull City and Wolves, as well as earning four full caps for England.

The Verdict

Huddlestone will be desperate to get on the right side of a win tonight, not least because it will push them towards the breakaway top two.

A defeat will see them battling away in the top six, but having been overtaken by Karanka's Forest. There's so much at stake, it promises to be a red hot night in Derby.