David Dunn has insisted his players aren't going to Pride Park today to just sit back in the opening round of the Carabao Cup.

In their first competitive game back in the EFL for 48 years, Barrow AFC have landed a plum tie with Derby County.

The game will be shown live on Sky Sports at noon, and it will be Dunn's first competitive match in the Barrow hotseat.

With all the pre-season preparations now over, Dunn is hoping his side can go and give a good account of themselves against the Championship big boys, who may name former England captain Wayne Rooney in their starting line-up.

And the manager has insisted his Football League players won't just be going to Pride Park to make up the numbers and soak up the pressure.

He said: "We're in good shape going into it, there may be a few doubts that will need to be assessed.

"I'm really pleased with how pre-season has gone and how everything leading into this has gone.

"We're all looking forward to taking this really big opportunity we have against a really big club.

"It is an exciting challenge for the players.

"Pre-season has come around really quickly, and with this game being on TV it is really important for the lads to go out and give a good account of themselves.

"The main focus for us this season is on the league, but we won't want to go to Derby and not use it as as a really good challenge."

Philip Cocu's side will be looking to get off to a positive start to their campaign, as they go in search of promotion to the Premier League again via the play-offs.

It is unsure how strong of a side Cocu will put out for this opening league cup game.

However, whatever side he does put out, that won't be stopping the Bluebirds from going out to put the pressure on the Rams in an attempt to progress in the competition, according to Dunn.

He has challenged his players to go out and make a statement, with the game being live on TV.

He added: "It is a chance to make a statement with it being on TV, and we are not just going there to sit back.

"We are going there to pressure Derby.

"We understand this is a massive chance and we want to go there and have a go and put them on the back foot.

"Every good result and every win helps to breed confidence, and that is what we will be looking to do at Derby and this season."

Today's cup game will be followed by a trip to Blackpool in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.