"It Was Our Best Performance Of The Season So Far"

Under 23s coach Pat Lyons admitted today’s 2-3 win away at Liverpool was their best performance of the season so far.

After falling a goal behind on 17 minutes, Calum Macdonald equalised soon into the second half with a header into the far corner.

Jacob Butterfield put the Under-23s ahead with only 20 minutes left to play but Liam Millar equalised for the Reds shortly after.

In the dying embers of the game, Derby did manage to find the winner as Louie Sibley poked home from inside the box to ensure all three points were heading back to the East Midlands.

“It was the best performance of the season so far,” Lyons told dcfc.co.uk. “We started well, got on the front foot and we talked before the game about having the courage to get on the ball at a place like this and we felt like we controlled possession, especially in the second half.

“We were disappointed to give the early goal away but the lads dug in and didn’t change their attitudes or beliefs. We said to them at half time that we had to step up more and we did that. I thought the second half performance was outstanding.

“The way we got back in the game, it was a great header, and then we dominated, showed great energy in and out of possession and we dominated the game against a top Premier League side and that is pleasing.

“Sometimes you don’t get the results that your performance deserves but today we got the performance and the result and we’re really happy and I’m proud of the players.”

The player showed a good mentality to continue to press for the winner, and it was something again which pleased Lyons.

“It shows the character we have in the dressing room and at the football club,” he said. “I thought the first team lads that played today was excellent as well as some of the young lads.

“We say to them every day about don’t change your attitude depending on scorelines. Today they proved that whatever the scoreline was, we didn’t see a difference in their attitude and performance and that’s what we’re striving for.”

The only dampener was the injury sustained by full back Joe Bateman who was stretched off in the opening minutes of the game.

“It was a shame. His shoulder popped out and then popped back in straight away which is a real shame because he’s done really well this year,” Lyons commented.

“We have been looking forward to his development as a player but this might set him back for a little bit and hopefully it won’t keep him out too long. We had to change it but I thought Sven came on and did really well in a slightly awkward position for him.”