Eustace says he has 'full support' of owner Clowes

Under-pressure Derby County head coach John Eustace says he has the "full support" of owner David Clowes but knows he "ultimately has to get results" after a poor start to the Championship season.

The Rams are next to bottom of the table after winning only one of their first 11 games and are three points behind Norwich City in 21st spot as they prepare for Saturday's trip to Sheffield United.

Eustace, who is in his second full season in charge at Pride Park, has had to contend with a lengthy injury list which has severely depleted his defensive options.

Players including Sondre Langas, Matt Clarke, Craig Forsyth and Eiran Cashin are all unavailable.

Eustace met with Rams owner Clowes this week to discuss the situation and the former Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers boss said they were positive talks.

"I've met David and we had some dinner and we chatted about things and he said 'you've got my full support'," Eustace told BBC Radio Derby.

"We understand it's a difficult situation at the moment with the injuries but he's fully confident that we'll get through this difficult moment."

Eustace reiterated he was "very angry" and "frustrated" with the situation Derby found themselves in but said the only thing he could do was focus on getting the best of the players that are fit, rather than worry about not having those that are not.

"It's my job to coach the players that are available and there's a lot of hard work ahead," he added.

"There are definitely solutions there to make the team better. Obviously, we have got a huge injury problem, but for the group that are available now, I've got to find a solution to get the best out of that group. That's all I can really concentrate on."

Eustace confirmed Derby's injury problems have been added to by captain Lewis Travis who turned his ankle in the defeat by Stoke City last Saturday and will be out for a couple of weeks.

On the plus side, goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is back training after a knee problem while striker Patrick Agyemang is doing some light work on his way back from an Achilles injury.

"We've got to remember we're working with a defence that we have to keep patching up, goalkeeper changing and as soon as we get a settled team, I know there's a lot more to come from the group," Eustace said.

"It's just getting through this difficult moment to make sure that we can do it.

"In the last six games, I don't think [we've been] a million miles away.

"It's a situation which we've all got to get our heads round and ultimately I have to find a solution to help get us out of it, which I will."

Eustace said he was trying to "unturn every stone" in a bid to find "a solution" and said playing a back-three might be something to try, given his lack of central defenders.

"Ultimately I've got to get results. The buck stops with me and I have to now find a solution on how to get some points," he added.

"It's a results-driven business. I've got a fantastic owner. I've always had his full support but I have to get results for the team. So we'll be judged on that."