Steve McClaren has admitted that he is delighted with the strength of his squad following Derby County's victory over Blackpool on Tuesday.

A Chris Martin goal secured a 1-0 win and sent Derby to the top of the Championship table, and McClaren believes that his team's 10-game unbeaten run is proof that the squad is stronger than last season.

"I believe the squad is stronger than last season," the Rams boss told reporters. "I mean we're leaving out players and bringing in internationals in the likes of Jeff Hendrick. That's pleasing.

"It's the maturity of the group too. We wouldn't have got six clean sheets on the bounce last season.

"The maturity of the squad, knowing how to win and what it takes, there's determination in there. We were a young team, we still are a young team but they are showing that maturity."

Derby return to action against Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon.