Paul Lambert dismissed Norwich's chances of promotion despite seeing them climb to fourth.
Manager is only interested in Norwich survival
Paul Lambert dismissed Norwich's chances of promotion despite seeing them climb to fourth after beating Derby 2-1.
A Shaun Barker own goal put the Canaries ahead but the Rams levelled through Kris Commons, before Chris Martin notched his fifth of the campaign.
The win means they are now just four points adrift of second-placed Cardiff, but Lambert poured cold water on any promotion talk.
He said: "Don't ask me about our promotion chances because I will give the same answer. I just want to survive, that's my main concern.
"Ask me in May, then I will tell you. If I'm still here then and haven't got the sack you can ask me!
Massive
"But we are certainly playing well and when the fans get behind us it's a massive help.
"The players have been absolutely colossal for me, they were last year and they are doing it again this year.
"The momentum is going well for us but we have got players with enthusiasm for the game.
"We have a lot of young players who are really hungry to do well and when you have that and players who will run for you then you've got a chance."
Derby boss Nigel Clough was frustrated with the manner of the defeat, which saw the Rams slide down to seventh, but feels that his side are still a work in progress.
He said: "They started well but a 35-yard speculative shot is going 15 yards wide and ends up squirming under Frank Fielding and when you get that sort of break it certainly gives you a bit more impetus.
Difficult
"They got the second one soon after and it's very difficult playing against a team of Norwich's quality when they have a 2-0 lead.
"We got one back straight away and I think if one goes in at any time after that we would go on and win the game.
"We certainly had enough situations and chances but that's what you get when you play these games without one of our best players at home.
"We weren't as fluent as we have been in the past but it's the first time we've had to come from two goals down. There was a lot of toil and a lot of endeavour but just not quite enough quality.
"We've had two good opportunities in the last two weeks, 1-0 up at Burnley with 10 minutes to go and we've had a home match today and we've taken no points so it's an opportunity missed.
"But it's probably a fair reflection of where we are, generally and in the state of the team and progress and things like that."
