DERBY County's veteran midfielder Robbie Savage said his side's thrilling fightback to topple local rivals Nottingham Forest was all down to new boss Nigel Clough.

The former Welsh international has been recalled to the side since Clough took over from Paul Jewell, who had frozen Savage out.

And Clough masterminded last night's triumph to come from two-goals down to win the FA Cup fourth round replay 3-2 against the side where he made his name as a player.

Savage was full of admiration for his boss and said such a fightback would never have happened under the previous regime.

He said: "I loved it. They came out of the traps better than us but we showed under Nigel we have got our spirit back, that confidence back.

"We played with belief and when we went 2-0 down, we still passed it and created chances and over the two games we thoroughly deserved victory.

"At 2-0 down under the previous manager we would have capitulated – probably lost by four or five.

"But this manager brings something you cannot put your finger on. It is like Martin O'Neill in a way. He is positive all the time and it breeds into the players.

"He has brought in his staff and they are a good team and make us play. Even when losing he wants us to play football and it is a joy to play in.

"I think he has a big future, that is whether I am in the team or out of the team.

"He has helped me a great deal and I am not sucking up here, I do not need to. I will let my performances do that.

"But he is a lovely man, has a great staff and we show spirit, and for the travelling fans they have seen a performance to give them hope.

"The boss was positive at the break and that is the biggest thing as a player that is what you want, it gives you confidence."