Paulo Sousa insisted that leaving Leon Britton out on Saturday had nothing to do with contract problems

After the two sides traded blows in the media a little over a week ago you would be forgiven for believing that Britton's ommission was a direct result of those articles but Sousa says that is not the case

He told the Evening Post "Leon is fit — it's only my decision (that he was not involved)

"We needed different people on the bench, people with more offensive characteristics.

"We wanted to come to Sheffield Wednesday and win and I wanted people who would give me more attacking possibilities on the bench.

"I have spoken already about the contract situation and that it won't affect whether I pick Leon.

"Everyone in the squad is the same for me. Leon has started practically 90 per cent of our games this season and we know he is important for us, but in this game I decided to leave him out.

"The people will ask what you write.

"If you project something positive, I am sure they will not ask anything negative."

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls