Long way to go we are only just past half way so plenty of big games to come.

We have a period in April where we play Villa, Boro and Wolves (the 3 sides I expect to be the biggest threats) inside 4 games I think it was.

Points accumulation against the lesser sides will be paramount starting with the game at Birmingham. There is only a very small number of teams with little to play for as the majority either have the play offs or a relegation battle to consider.

At the top there is generally one side that comes off the pace to make a challenge, Brentford or Fulham maybe?

Now the festive break is over I'm sure Rowett won't rush anyone back and will use the Cup tie as extra rest time for the likes of Ledley.

Yesterday was a disappointment but turned out to be a point won which was better than Cardiff and Bristol City and equal to Sheff Utd and Leeds so not catastrophic. Wins for Boro and Villa have bunched it up all the more.

We could get 2nd place or miss out altogether, it's that tight.

I expect play offs now as a minimum.

Come on Derby.