Clough confident of shocking Fergie

Nigel Clough says he can lead Derby to the Carling Cup Final at the expense of Manchester United - in only his second game as the club's boss.

Derby's shock 1-0 win over United in the first leg of their semi-final on 7 January coincided with Clough's appointment as manager, although he did not take charge of the team for that game.

The 2-0 home defeat by Queens Park Rangers in Clough's first official match at the helm showed the size of the task he faces but it did not dent the 42-year-old's belief that his team can knock out Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"We are not sure what kind of team United will put out but we are capable of getting a result there, even if it is a draw to hang on to our first-leg lead," said Clough, whose father Brian managed Derby from 1967 until 1973.

He added: "The incentive of going to Wembley should spur everyone on. We have got to look after the lead - so we won't be playing three up front - but you can't defend for 90 minutes at Old Trafford. When we get the opportunity to go forward we have to."

Despite the narrow deficit, United are still expected to field several youngsters tonight, with Darron Gibson, Rodrigo Possebon, Rafael and Danny Welbeck all likely to be included.

But Ferguson should still name first-teamers like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench in case his side struggle.