Derby County manager Gary Rowett is excited to see which of his players can handle the occasion during the third-round FA Cup clash with Manchester United.

The Rams haven't been in the top-flight since they were relegated with a record-low eleven points almost a decade ago.

However, encouraging form in the Championship, which has seen them rise up to second after winning seven of their last ten, has Derby supporters believing their ready for another crack at the Premier League.

And Rowett says the trip to Old Trafford is the ideal situation to gauge who can handle the pressure.

"It's a great challenge for the players - one we are going to learn an awful lot from about the players and whether they can step up and take the responsibility in a game of that magnitude," Rowett said.

"It's a great tool to see which of our players can handle it. We're aspiring to play against teams like Manchester United every week so if we go fearful and show we can't handle that type of game then that's a bit of a worry when it comes to what we are trying to achieve this season.

"I'm not going to be too bravo about the game because it is a daunting task to face a team like that away from home.

"We are going to be very competitive. There's no pressure of picking up three points and, if anything, I think it means that we will go there more relaxed and allow us to play with a little more freedom. We will go there to try and play and show no fear.

"These are the games that we aspire to be facing week in, week out. As a player and a manager, you have to embrace these challenges. Who wouldn't want to pit their wits in this type of game?

"Hopefully, it will be a snapshot of what this club is going to be doing in the future."