Tuesday 27 January 2015 23:08, UK
Darren Bent's two-goal match-winning contribution was described as "the work of a natural Johnny-on-the-spot" by Derby manager Steve McClaren after a hard-fought victory over Blackburn lifted the Rams level on points with Sky Bet Championship
Derby were labouring to break down a Rovers side using five men in midfield but the arrival of Bent from the bench in the 65th minute proved decisive as he struck within three minutes and then added another three minutes into time added on - both goals bearing the stamp of a natural goalmouth predator.
McClaren said of the recent loan arrival from Aston Villa: "Some people arrive in the box and the ball never finds them but he's a genuine finisher with the skill and composure to snap up chances.
"He could have gone somewhere else and had an easy time with a guaranteed starting place but he chose to come here and fight for a place in a good team and he has given us the different edge that we needed.
"We had to dig deep because Rovers are a tough, strong, direct side but I thought our attitude was absolutely tremendous."
Derby have been linked with Crystal Palace wide-men Matt Phillips and Junior Hoilett but McClaren would only say on that subject: "We are still looking to do a bit of business in the transfer window because we need to reinforce things in certain areas after struggling with injury problems and having Jordan Ibe return to Liverpool."
Blackburn's decision to leave their two top scorers, Rudy Gestede and Jordan Rhodes, among their subs seemed an odd one but manager Gary Bowyer looked like being rewarded for using a defensive formation until former England striker Bent took his tally to three goals in four days.
Bowyer felt the difference between the sides in the end was a combination of bad defending and great finishing from Bent.
He said: "It was a close game settled by two bits of shocking defending and two bits of Premiership-class finishing.
"Derby are a terrific team with a great manager and a brilliant set-up but we matched them for most of the game and then gave it away with bad defending.
"We forced an absolutely brilliant save from their keeper when they were just one goal in front and could well have come away with something to show for our efforts."
Bowyer, meanwhile, shrugged off suggestions that Gestede and Rhodes might be sold in the transfer window, saying: "There is a lot of talk but until somebody comes forward with the sort of money that the board would regard as good business, that is all it is."
