Richard Keogh says Derby County’s never-say-die attitude was instrumental in leaving Sky Bet Championship leaders Leeds United with a point to their name on Saturday afternoon.
Derby were staring defeat in the face after Max Lowe’s first-half own-goal gave the home side the lead at Elland Road.
Leeds wasted several chances to go further ahead and Mateusz Klich sent a second-half penalty wide after Patrick Bamford, who also hit the woodwork, had been brought down in the box by Matt Clarke.
However, the Rams made Leeds pay as substitute Chris Martin fired home in added time to earn a 1-1 draw.
Keogh, who produced another typically sold display at the heart of the defence, felt the Rams showed a strong mentality to stay in the game whilst under pressure.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Derby’s captain said: “I think we showed determination, teamwork and a never-say-die attitude.
“Leeds are a good team; we know it and there’s no denying it. They play good football and with a lot of high energy. Once we beat their press we could have been a bit more dangerous.
“They missed a penalty and that gave us confidence. We dug in deep and got the goal.”
He added: “Hopefully we can kick on from this now and go again.”
Martin’s goal was his first for the club in just under two years following spells out on loan at Reading and Hull City.
The frontman has forced his way back into the first-team fold under Phillp Cocu.
And Keogh was full of praise for the 30-year-old and how he has conducted himself on the training ground.
He said: “I’m buzzing for Chrissy.
“He has worked so hard in training and he’s deserved the opportunity.
“When the ball fell to him, I knew it was going to be a goal. He’s such a great finisher.”