AS much as he admired Derby boss Billy Davies, Jim Magilton will not be looking to do him any favours today and admits to being quite happy that the Rams key defender Darren Moore has been hit with a four-match ban.

By Derek Davis

AS much as he admires Derby boss Billy Davies, Jim Magilton will not be looking to do him any favours today and admits to being quite happy that the Rams key defender Darren Moore has been hit with a four-match ban.

Derby found out yesterday that Moore will miss the rest of the regular Championship season, starting with today's clash against Ipswich, after being found guilty of violent conduct against Leicester City's Iain Hume.

Magilton said: “It is a big boost for us because he is a massive presence in both boxes. He has been very good for Derby and has been a big part of a big collective effort at Derby and I'm sure they will miss him.”

And Derby, who are also without winger Darren Currie who is not allowed to playa s part of the loan arrangement, have been warned that the Blues are not in any sort of end of season trance.

Magilton said: “I will be putting out what I feel is my strongest possible team.

“If Derby beat us and they then go on to win promotion then it will be because they deserve it.

“Billy Davies did a wonderful job at Preston and has carried that on at Derby but we have to look after ourselves and all four remaining games for us have a competitive edge.

“It is important we send out the right message and while it is good to culminate results with good performances, it is more about just winning.”

The Rams are chasing a record 13 away wins in a season, beating the record of 12 last reached by George Burley when he was with Derby in the 2004-05 season.

With Lewis Price still struggling with a bruised foot, Shane Supple is expected to get the nod to go in goal.