DERBY COUNTY manager Billy Davies feels a home win against West Ham on Saturday is not "absolutely crucial".

The Rams have so far struggled to adapt to life back in the Premiership and sit bottom of the table with only one victory to their name, writes Matt Diner.

But the Scotsman feels a draw against the Hammers at Pride Park would be a decent result and is looking at the bigger picture.

Davies said: "I don't accept that a win against West Ham is absolutely crucial - but it would be good. Whatever the game we prepare well and it's the end of the season we look at."

Derby have scored only five goals at home all season - the lowest in the Premiership - and Davies (pictured) admits that the Hammers will again prove a tough test for his side, despite their well documented injury troubles.

"Irrespective of the missing players they are a very dangerous animal and we have to match them for quality," he said.

County themselves have a few injury problems and await the outcome of a Kenny Miller fitness test before deciding their squad.

Strong centre-half Claude Davis is also rated as doubtful after damaging an abductor muscle in last weeks away defeat at Aston Villa.

But there was more disappointing news for the east Midlands club this week after it was revealed experienced defender Andy Todd needs an MRI to try and fix ongoing hamstring and back problems.