Rams face testing time - Clough

Clough is looking to reduce the size of the Derby squad

Derby County manager Nigel Clough admits the next two weeks could shape the Rams' season.

Derby take on Manchester United in their away leg of the Carling Cup semi-final next Tuesday and face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup three days later.

Clough told BBC Radio Derby: "We've got five games in 14 days and it could be argued that those games will go a long way to defining our season.

"They are two big cup games and three more important league matches."

The Rams also face QPR, Birmingham and Coventry in the league this month.

Clough, who replaced manager Paul Jewell a week ago, has said he will get to work on trimming the squad at Pride Park.

"There are too many players and we need to get some out playing football somewhere, so it'll ease the burden all round.

"You can only play 11 on a Saturday and when you've got mid-to-late thirties, there's 20-odd unhappy players," he said.