Derby face Blackburn in the FA Cup tomorrow and are back in action three days later when they travel to Charlton in the League.

''I don’t know who has organised these fixtures in all honesty,'' said Smith today. ‘‘You would normally have a replay the week after the Cup.

''To have a midweek League game following the Cup when there is no need, I don’t understand.

''It would be a lot better using that bloke with a pencil than relying on computers.

''You talk about giving players’ bodies a rest. But the people who organise these fixtures obviously don’t consider the players or the pressures they are under.''

It is the second time this week Smith has been angered by a demanding fixture list.

He accused the Jamaican Football Federation of abusing the calendar after he was deprived of the services of Daryl Powell and Dion Burton at Ewood Park.

Jamaica are playing two friendlies, against Bolivia tonight and Bulgaria on Sunday.

''Basically, Jamaica are taking the mickey,'' said Smith, who will also be without Taribo West as he’s on World Cup duty with Nigeria.

With Chris Riggott and Craig Burley suspended, Smith will be forced to feel the depleted side against the First Division promotion chasers.

The absence of defensive duo West and Riggott will heap more responsibility on to the young shoulders of French recruit Youl Mawene.

Mawene, £500,000 summer signing from Lens, is just beginning to find his feet in English football.

He said: ''Everyone in France knows about the FA Cup. It is probably the best competition of its kind in Europe.

''I am looking forward to playing in the Cup because it is so famous.

''English football is so different from France. It is very fast and very physical.

''I needed a new challenge and wanted to discover a different culture. I didn’t start that well and got injured but the team has improved and I’m enjoying myself.''