Barker has been a key man for the Rams this season

Derby County centre-half Shaun Barker says the Rams are confident of securing Championship survival.

Nigel Clough's side are 16th in the table following Saturday's 3-1 defeat away against high-flying West Brom.

And although only five points and six places separate them from the drop zone, Barker told BBC Radio Derby he has faith in the talent at Pride Park.

"The boys are confident of staying out of the relegation zone. We have enough quality and a good team bond," he said.

"We believe we are good enough to be in the top half the table, not the bottom half. But you have to produce on the pitch and we've started to play a lot better.

If we have our strongest side out we are good enough to push anyone in this league Shaun Barker

"We're got enough games and we have got the players. We believe we can keep out of it.

"But this is a very strange league and we have to get the results as soon as possible."

The Rams play seven games in a frantic 22-day period, starting with Watford at home on Saturday.

"It's a massive month with a lot of games," Barker added.

"If we have our strongest side out we are good enough to push anyone in this league but we haven't done it consistently and that's why we are in the bottom half of the table."

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