BARROW AFC head coach Stephen Clemence is expecting both players and fans to be up for the cup tonight.

The Bluebirds play host to Championship outfit Derby County in the second round of the Carabao Cup this evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Clemence isn’t expecting an easy ride against the Rams, but says there is no reason why the Cumbrians can’t have a real go.

He told The Mail: “It’s a chance for us to go and test ourselves against Championship opposition.

“It will be a tough test, but let’s go see if we can go and upset them.”

Clemence is hoping the home support will be out in numbers to back the Bluebirds.

He added: “It’s a game we’ve got to be looking forward to – Derby at home.

“I think there will be a good turn out.

“I’d imagine Derby will come in their numbers as well with their travelling supporters.

“So, it’s a game I’m really looking forward to and I’m sure the players are also.”

Tonight’s game with County marks another quick turn around for Barrow following their victory over Port Vale in League Two.

One or two of the Barrow players picked up knocks against The Valiants, but Clemence feels he will have enough at his disposal to give the visitors a tough game.

And the Barrow boss says they need to expect a quick turnover of games if they want to be successful.

He added: “That’s the division isn’t it?

“If you’re playing in League Two, and you are doing OK in the cup competitions (which is obviously what we want) then games come thick and fast.

“We’ve got one or two injuries at the minute, but we’ve got enough in our squad to be able to cope with that.”

Derby beat another League Two side in the last round of the competition – a 2-1 win over Chesterfield - to set up tonight’s clash with Barrow at Holker Street.

However, the Rams haven’t fared as well in the league so far this term – their only win in the Championship a 1-0 success at home to Middlesbrough.

Their other two league clashes saw them lose 4-2 away to Blackburn Rovers on the opening day of the season, and a 2-1 defeat away to Watford last weekend.

That could suggest that Paul Warne’s men don’t travel well, and the Bluebirds will be hoping that continues tonight.

Clemence’s side are undefeated in both league and cup at Holker Street so far this term – their only loss a 1-0 against Carlisle United at Brunton Park.

And going into tonight’s match on the back of a 4-0 home win over Port Vale at the weekend, they will look for their home ground to continue to be the fortress it has been in recent years.