Mark Kennedy wants to begin the EFL Trophy campaign positively following an eight-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
The Imps have lost just once so far this season and Kennedy wants to keep that momentum going with a strong performance at Derby County.
He said: “Derby are going to have a really strong team and it will be a tough game. We take cup competitions really seriously, and we will go to Pride Park to win the game.
“We go into every game with the belief we can win.”
City’s head coach understands the challenge facing his side on Tuesday night but believes his side are capable of dealing with it.
He added: “It will be a brilliant game against a big club with an outstanding manager. They will put out a really good side, no matter who they pick, so it will be a tough test for us.
“We’ve proved multiple times against powerful opposition that we can get good results - we don’t fear anybody."
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