"We Need To Keep Going, Keep Believing"

Florian Jozefzoon believes there is more to come from this Derby County side and they must 'keep going and keep believing' following their 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough.

The Dutch winger admitted the Rams were disappointed not to come away with all three points on New Year’s Day, after dominating Boro for the second time this season.

Harry Wilson struck after just two minutes to put the home side ahead to take his goal tally of the season into double figures and also become the first Sky Bet Championship player to score in 2019.

Despite Derby being in control for long spells of the rest of the game, Middlesbrough equalised in the second-half through Jordan Hugill's header.

Speaking to RamsTV following the game, the 27-year-old said: “We started sharp, we kept the ball, moved the ball and switching it. We scored with our first shot on goal so it was a good start.

“It is a little bit disappointing that we didn’t get the three points. We fought to get the second goal and there was only one moment of fear from them.

“Just that one moment when they got the ball to cross it and score. I think we were the better team for 90 minutes.”

As was the case in a thrilling display days earlier in the 4-3 win at Norwich, the Rams’ desire never wavered and they continued fighting until the final whistle – only this time the winner didn’t come their way.

David Nugent had a late chance, looking to make an immediate impact off the bench, however Darren Randolph met his strike from inside the box with a good save.

Jozefzoon praised the squad’s commitment until the final whistle and said that should be translated to the rest of the season as a whole.

“You need to have that in the Championship [desire to never give up],” he said.

“I remember last season how many goals came in the last couple of minutes – that’s the Championship – this year it is the same.

“If you look at the league we are still in it so that is positive. We could go higher I think though. We are not giving up and we keep fighting. There is more to come and we keep growing each game.

“It’s not perfect but I think we will get there. It is important for us to keep going and keep positive.

“The gap is getting smaller and smaller so we need to keep believing and taking points.”

The hectic schedule continues, but changes focus to the FA Cup now as the Rams are set to host Premier League outfit, Southampton, on Saturday.

They will be the third Premier League side Derby have faced this season having defeated Manchester United in the Carabao Cup and moving on to face Chelsea and push them all the way in the next round.

Jozefzoon said he is looking forward to another test.

He said: “Southampton is a good opponent and for us it is a good chance for us to prove ourselves that we can play against bigger teams.”