Friday 26 December 2014 18:58, UK
Derby's manager Steve McClaren heaped praise on his players after the Rams' impressive 4-0 away win over Birmingham which restored confidence in the side following some recent indifferent performances.
The Rams bounced back in style after winning only one of their previous four league games.
They were indebted to some lethal finishing which was started in the 10th minute by on-loan teenager, Jordan Lee.
Chris Martin recorded his 16th goal of the season when he scored direct from a free kick, while two late goals from Cyrus Forsyth and the in-form Johnny Russell gave the 3,000 travelling Derby fans a real treat.
McClaren justifiably paid credit to their performance which renews their aspirations for promotion.
He said: "It was a terrific win. From the beginning we were always in control. We dug in when we had to on occasions.
He is one of the best strikers in the league and we are very lucky to have him.
"We were clinical in finishing and we could have scored even more goals.
"It has been a difficult couple of weeks but the Norwich game was a big match for us. The boys have performed well and we have to go on from here.
"We have talked about being ruthless and they were and it could have been a lot more.
"I couldn't fault how we want to play and it was a great result."
McClaren paid credit to the goalscoring performance of Martin who took his goals tally for the season to 16 with a first half strike.
The Derby boss admitted: "He is one of the best strikers in the league and we are very lucky to have him."
Another player to earn praise from McClaren was teenager Jordon Ibe, who put Derby on the winning path with an early opening goal for his fifth strike or the season.
McClaren said: "The boy is maturing. He is learning the game and when he puts it all together he is phenomenal.
"It wasn't just his work going forward, he also tracked back. The discipline side is good and if he is going to be a top player that is what he needs.
"He was a raw kid when he came into the side and is still learning. He is a big asset for us.
"Saying that, since Johnny Russell has got into the side he has been terrific.
"After the recent games against Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Norwich it was important we responded against a Birmingham team which had lost only one game in their previous eight games.
"Birmingham are no mugs. They are a very organised team difficult to break down. I think that was the key thing as we beat the current form team.
Birmingham boss, Gary Rowett, who had a playing spell at Derby, was disappointed but not down-hearted with the defeat.
He said: "I didn't think we played with the same fluency and attacking threat as we have done in previous games.
"I actually thought Derby were the most clinical and threatening side that we have played in last eight we've played.
"They showed their quality and class. Their wide players were a constant threat throughout the game.
"We looked nervy and edgy on the ball maybe we conceded early on in the game which took a little bit of confidence away from the team.
"The first goal was a poor one to concede. We had two chances in the middle of the park to win the and we didn't. We ended up backing off and conceded a goal.
"There were moments in the second half when we came out strongly. Looking at the replay of the game I felt it was a stone wall penalty when Wes Thomas was clattered from behind which was not given at 2-0 down.
"Little moments like that might have changed the games and given something to chase. As it was Derby have that clinical edge to them like Martin, Russell and Ibe have in their locker."
