LEEDS United head coach Neil Redfearn has called on his side to show their "fighting spirit" at high-flying Derby tonight.

The Whites' relegation fears increased after they lost 2-0 at home to Wigan in the Championship on Boxing Day.

This evening's match has taken on added significance as Redfearn's men bid to emulate the 2-0 win they achieved over the Rams in last month's reverse fixture.

Redfearn said: "Derby County are a good side and it's a tough place to go. But we've got to pick the team up and we've got to go again, which is part of life.

"They are in something that they enjoy doing and is worth fighting for, so they have got to show that fighting spirit.

"This is a great way to earn a living but they have got to show that desire to be professional footballers and people have got to see that."

Redfearn, who is expected to recall on-loan Brazilian playmaker Adryan to the side, is not overly concerned about Leeds' league position.

"We are down there but there is a lot of the season to go and a lot of points still to play for," he said.

"But we have to start picking up results and if we are going to do that, we need to start getting better at both ends of the pitch.

"Our general play is usually as good as anyone that we play against. We pass the ball and we are trying to play. We have lots of spells of possession but we have got to do something with it.

"We need to be more dangerous with the ball and the people at the business end of the market, your strikers, need to come alive and be alert.

"They have got to earn their corn by putting the ball in the back of the net, while the people at the back have got to be strong and resolute and keep clean sheets."

Derby won 4-0 at Birmingham on Boxing Day and striker Chris Martin says they are now keen to avenge last month's loss at Elland Road.

The 16-goal forward said: "We were disappointed with the performance and the result at their place, so we'll be looking to put that right."