Clough plays it low-key

NIGEL Clough ducked the media spotlight following Derby's dramatic comeback at the City Ground, with assistant manager Gary Crosby insisting: "He does not want to take any glory from this win."

The Rams boss returned to his former stomping ground with his new side and steered them to a remarkable win.

But he chose to send Crosby in to the post-match press conference and he explained: "You know the nature of the man. He does not want glory.

"He is incredibly pleased with the result, that is all he is interested in.

"He does not want to be seen to be taking any glory from this win here. But it is a fantastic win in a cup tie, having been 2-0 down early on.

"He just asked me to do the press and I said 'yes, sure gaffer'. I have been asked to speak to you about the game and that is what I will do."

Crosby admitted Derby had left themselves with a tough task after goals from Chris Cohen and Nathan Tyson put Forest 2-0 up.

"It was not the start we wanted, Forest came out the blocks very well. You look at the two goals and the first one was a deflection and the second a penalty," he said.

"It was not the best start. But we showed some good character. The next goal was important and we made sure we got it.

"From that point on I thought we were the better side. Forest had one or two situations but I thought we had the better chances overall."

In the end it was former Forest man Kris Commons who fired his new side to victory.

And Crosby admitted: "It was always going to happen really, wasn't it? It wasn't the first time and it won't be the last time that something like that has happened.

"He kept going, he kept doing the right things and we said to him that, if he did that, he would get his reward.

"Over the two games I think we were the better side and deserved to go through."

Derby will now face Manchester United in the fifth round, having already faced them in the Carling Cup semi-final this season.

"You can never get bored of playing Manchester United – or at least the chairman never would," said Crosby.

"I think the ideal outcome is a victory for us, after a replay now, isn't it?

"It is the perfect scenario for us. With it being a single leg we will look at it differently. It will be difficult, but we will give it a go."