Midfield battles don’t come much tastier than this

Bristol City and Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley says is really looking forward to the prospect of going head-to-head with Derby’s Robbie Savage when the two clubs lock horns at Pride Park tomorrow.

The Robins are still looking for their first away win of the league campaign and Hartley is expecting nothing less than a tough battle against the feisty former Welsh international.

“I haven’t played against Robbie before. I have watched him over the years and it is obvious he is a quality player,” said the 32-year-old.

“He is a known competitor and it will be a difficult battle – it is the sort of battle you relish, coming up against good players and pitting your wits against them.

“It will be a tough game – any away game in this league is going to be hard. Derby have had a difficult start but they have a very good squad of players there.

“They have big crowds and there is a lot of expectation for the team to carry. But if we can get the first goal it will make life difficult for them.”