Jon Macken has had one taste of the Premiership with Manchester City. Unfortunately for the striker his £5m move from Preston didn't work out as planned. After a short spell with Crystal Palace, he has a chance to reach the big time once more if Derby can see their way past Southampton tonight at Pride Park. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson caught up with the centre forward to see if he was confident of reaching potentially the most lucrative fixture on the football calendar.
Q:IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY ON THE FRONT FOOT TONIGHT?
A:Definitely. I do think we create chances and do try to play football. And that's the way we will try to approach it. We can't really sit back because there's nothing in this tie. Southampton have done well away from home this season. It's another game and we need another good result. We are looking forward to it.
Q:WHAT'S YOUR PLAY-OFF EXPERIENCE?
A:I've been in the play-offs three times, twice in the semi finals and once in the final. And I've not won yet! With the play-offs, you kind of don't want to be there when you have finished third like we have, but you want to play in the games when they come around.
Q:IS THERE ANY COMMON THEME THAT YOU HAVE PICKED UP ON AS TO WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL SIDE AT THIS STAGE?
A:In general, you've not got to think about it too much. If you do, you are thinking about it 24/7. I think that's the key to try to put what it means to the back of your mind. It's a case of just relaxing as much as possible. Big games like that you chill out and do what you have been doing all season because that's what has got you into the play-offs. The fact is - any of the four sides can win it. I think it's quite evenly matched this season. We were eight points clear of the rest but you need to go out there and win three more games.
Q:WHAT'S STEVE HOWARD LIKE?
A:His goals speak for themselves. The one at St Mary's was a great header and got us back into the game. Great lad, handful as a striker and a good bloke.
Q:WERE YOU SURPRISED TO GET THE CALL IN JANUARY?
A:A bit surprised, yes, but when you hear the manager on the phone, then you want to come and sign for this football club. He wants to go forward and to play. It was just a case of being the wrong player at the wrong time for Crystal Palace.
Q:AND IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO SCORE YOUR FIRST GOAL, TONIGHT?
A:I have been creating the chances in the past couple of games. That's given me confidence. I think they will come sooner rather than later if I keep going as I am.
Q:DO YOU SEE THIS AS A SECOND CHANCE AT THE PREMIERSHIP?
A:When I signed for Palace, they had expectations of going up as well. But when you sign for Derby and see the set-up at the club - the facilities - it should be there. I didn't play at lot when I was with Manchester City. It was a great experience, but I had a few injury problems there. I started off okay, scored a few goals, but picked up an injury that kept me out for a couple of months and it was difficult to drag it back from there.
Q:THE MANAGER HAS SIGNED A FEW PLAYERS WITH A POINT TO PROVE...
A:Well, yes he has, but you can talk about it all you want. It's about performances on the pitch. That's all that matters, what you do out there, and tonight's a massive game. Massive.
