Matty Fryatt believes he has become a marked man – but he has vowed not to let the close attention of defenders stop him.

The Leicester City striker scored 32 goals in all competitions during the last campaign, and has fired eight in 13 games so far this season as City have made a solid start.

His superb form, which he admits has helped prove wrong his doubters who believe he cannot score goals at a higher level, have led to increased attention both on and off the field.

The 23-year-old has been more closely marked by opposition defences and he has not had many chances in the last three outings, but he is not too worried.

"I would say I am more closely marked, but at the same time we have played some good teams recently," said Fryatt.

"At Middlesbrough I didn't really get a sniff. You look at the centre-backs and they are valued quite high and they are decent teams.

"I suppose there is a bit of attention but at the same time you still have to do the same things. Even if I am marked it might mean there is space for someone else, so I just have to keep playing that way and see what comes from it. There is no intimidation. They are just focused on stopping you, which most defenders try to do anyway."

Fryatt admits his good start has taken even him a little by surprise, but he added that his confidence was high going into today's big clash with local rivals Derby County at the Walkers Stadium.

"I am pleased with the goals I have scored so far, and generally they have helped us go on to win the games," he said.

"I scored a few goals last season but it doesn't necessarily carry on into this season. Fortunately, after missing pre-season, I was able to come back and be up and running again.

"It was nice to get the first and that gave me confidence to go on a run.

"Confidence is massive. Goals mean everything to strikers and once you get the first one you start scoring, and when you go a few games without one you need one. Most strikers thrive on confidence and goals.

"You are always going to have your critics but I am just going to keep on doing the business. So far I have proved a few people wrong."

His good form has also led to increased speculation that he may be the focus of a transfer-window bid from a Premier League side.

Hull City and then Middlesbrough were both linked with moves for the striker, but Fryatt said the talk does not even register on his radar.

"I can't really think about that," he said. "I just have to concentrate on doing the business for Leicester and keep doing well. Hopefully I will just keep on scoring goals.

"I can't really affect what other people are saying or doing because it is just rumour. As far as I am aware I am still a Leicester player and I want to do the best for them.

"I am happy here so there is nothing in it for me."

County could be boosted by the return from injury of three players ahead of their visit.

Defender Jake Buxton played 90 minutes in the reserves against Port Vale in midweek after recovering from a hernia operation, while Paul Connolly could be fit again after a foot injury, and Kris Commons also made an appearance in the reserves after a hamstring injury.

However, Rams boss Nigel Clough still has a packed treatment room with eight players injured and centre-back Shaun Barker was this week ruled out for four weeks with a thigh strain to add to his woes.

Clough will now be hoping Dean Leacock passes a fitness test to partner makeshift centre back Jay McEveley at the heart of the defence.