Fear factor has gone, says Teale

Teale barely featured under previous Derby boss Paul Jewell

Derby County winger Gary Teale believes new manager Nigel Clough's ability to take the fear factor out of playing is behind their recent resurgence.

Teale was on target in the 3-0 away win over Plymouth on Saturday - the Rams' third consecutive victory.

He told BBC Radio Derby: "The manager wants us to play football, to get the ball down and express ourselves in the final third.

"If we express ourselves and lose the ball then he's not on our case."

Teale added: "It's our reaction to try to get the ball back that he's more interested in."

The Scotland international spent time on loan with Argyle last season and was also loaned out to Barnsley at the beginning of this term.

But he has been a vital member of Clough's revitalised Rams.

Teale set up two goals in the thrilling FA Cup fourth round win over fierce rivals Nottingham Forest.

And as well as grabbing the first goal at Home Park on Saturday, he also made a goal for Rob Hulse in the impressive win.

"The second goal settled us down then we got a third and we could've got a lot more but we were just happy to sit in a wee bit," said Teale.

But despite their recent upturn in fortunes, the 30-year-said conceded it is vital that the Rams take nothing for granted.

"We are where we are in the league because we haven't been playing well so we need to get as far up the league as possible," said Teale.

"We need to come to places like Plymouth and pick up as many wins as possible."

606: DEBATE

I was starting to think it was a Teale lookalike in Teale's shirt and I think yesterday proved it! Whoever it is I am beginning to like them! Keep up the good work

Rams08

And Teale says there is no danger of the Rams losing sight of league matters going into Sunday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Premier League pacesetters Manchester United.

"The league's the bread and butter," he added. "But these are the games you play football for.

"You want to play against these teams, to test yourself. We have nothing to fear and we are obviously playing with a bit of confidence.

"We are expecting to win. If you go into the game not expecting to win you're on a hiding to nothing from the off."