Steve Cotterill has urged his Nottingham Forest side to use common sense ahead of Sunday's clash away to local rivals Derby.

Cotterill has seen his charges lose their last four games in all competitions and they lie five points adrift of safety in the Championship.

However, whilst the former Portsmouth boss has acknowledged that the occasion of playing against their fierce rivals is likely to heighten the atmosphere at Pride Park, Cotterill has called on his players to use their heads.

"We've got to make sure we play with fire in our bellies but with ice in our heads," Cotterill told the club's official website.

"We've got to make sure we keep all of our players on the pitch - it's important that we do that.

"By the time the game comes we will be prepared enough and ready for the challenge... one that we're all looking forward to."