Derby County striker Johnny Russell has admitted that he did not expect the club to be challenging for promotion this season.

The Rams secured their place in the Championship playoff final on Sunday as they defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 6-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals.

Russell, who joined Derby from Dundee United last summer, has said that he was lured to the club by their Premier League ambitions.

"I didn't think for a second it would be in my first season," Russell told BBC East Midlands Today.

"We've worked hard to get there and there is no way we are going to be giving it up without a fight."

Derby will face either Queens Park Rangers or Wigan Athletic in the final at Wembley on May 24.

Written by
Steven Toplis