HEAD coach Steve McClaren has called on his Derby County players to maintain the momentum this week.
Victory over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium on Sunday was the Rams' third consecutive win and their fifth in eight matches.
They have climbed from 14th to fifth and back-to-back home games against Middlesbrough tomorrow (7.45pm kick-off) and Blackpool on Saturday (12.15pm) offer the chance of further progress.
McClaren says the credit goes to the players.
"They are the ones that cross the white line and they're doing a great job," he added.
"We have got a busy week but we've started it very well and we need to back it up now.
"We have to take advantage of the result at Wigan by getting another one against Middlesbrough."
McClaren established himself as Middlesbrough's most successful manager during his five-years in charge at the Teesside club. Boro won the League Cup in 2004, finished seventh in the Premier League the following season – their highest placing since 1975 – and reached the UEFA Cup final in 2006.
He warns that Middlesbrough will be "dangerous" opponents tomorrow.
"It's a big game and a tough game," said McClaren. "The Championship is a long, hard season. It is never ending as a player as you look to take advantage of the next game."
Middlesbrough beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 at the weekend, although their away form has been poor. They have won only once in eight League matches on the road.
Derby have six away wins and McClaren was delighted with his squad at Wigan.
The Rams were without the injured Jamie Ward but Johnny Russell made his first start since recovering from the broken leg he suffered in the victory over Leeds United in early October.
Midfielder Jeff Hendrick made his first appearance in more than three months when he came on for John Eustace and goalkeeper Adam Legzdins and Kalifa Cisse also returned to the squad.
"It is all about the squad," said McClaren.
"When I looked at it a few weeks ago we didn't have that quality on the bench. Now we have and it can come on and keep the performance going."
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