SKIPPER Robbie Savage says Derby County will treat FA Cup opponents Crawley Town with the utmost respect.

The Rams face a tricky third round trip to the Broadfield Stadium tonight to take on Steve Evans' ambitious side.

By non-League standards, Crawley have spent a lot of cash and are currently riding high in the Blue Square Bet Premier in their bid to win promotion to the Football League.

They are second in the table, two points behind leaders AFC Wimbledon but with two games in hands.

Crawley knocked out League One side Swindon Town in the previous round and are eyeing another upset against the Rams.

This is something veteran midfielder Savage is well aware of and he insists Derby will not underestimate their opponents.

"I know that Crawley are a very wealthy outfit in terms of non-League football and some of their players probably earn more than our younger players, which is unbelievable," he said.

"It will be a difficult game but we will prepare right. We'll prepare as if we're playing Man United, because they deserve that respect.

"I've got experience of playing in these kinds of games and I'm sure if we prepare right, we'll have a very good chance.

"I'm really looking forward to it."

Savage was critical of the Derby fans following Monday's goalless draw against Millwall at Pride Park Stadium.

He felt the frustrated reaction of some home supporters did not help Nigel Clough's men.

Savage admitted that Millwall were the better team on the day but believes Derby came take heart from their display.

"After losing five games in a row – and conceding five goals to your deadliest rivals (Nottingham Forest) – to take four points from the last two games is a credit to the boys and their work ethic," he said.

"Whichever way they come, whether it be a win away or a draw at home – against a good Millwall side – you will take that.

"We didn't play well but we ground it out and got a clean sheet, so there were a lot of positives."