Derby boss praises players after victory over Brentford

Derby head coach Darren Wassall invoked the spirit of former Rams boss Brian Clough after his side’s 3-1 win at Brentford.

Wassall took over from Paul Clement earlier this month and earned his first victory as a manager thanks to goals from Jeff Hendrick, Cyrus Christie and Chris Martin.

And the Derby boss, who played under Clough while at Nottingham Forest, felt his side were worthy winners.

He said: “We’ve got our just rewards because we’re going home with three points.

“When I was a player, Brian Clough always used to say to us there’s no better feeling in the world than getting on the bus after an away game with three points in the bag.

“I thought we created enough chances in the first half to win two or three away games – all that was missing was a goal.

“Their keeper [David Button] was inspired, as was [Alan] Judge after half-time.

“I thought we went behind undeservedly. It would have been quite easy on the run that we’ve had for the players to feel sorry for ourselves.

“But I think it’s a testament to the character in that dressing room.”