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Steve McClaren eyes loan market after Derby's defeat at Brighton

Steve McClaren
Image: Steve McClaren: Wants to bolster his squad

Derby County head coach Steve McClaren says he is looking to dip into the loan market to cover for the injured Chris Martin and Darren Bent after the Rams lost top spot in the Championship with a 2-0 defeat at Brighton.

Second-half goals from substitutes Dale Stephens and Kazenga LuaLua inflicted the Rams' second successive defeat and McClaren would ideally like to strengthen the squad ahead of Saturday's home game against Birmingham.

Scottish striker Johnny Russell spearheaded the attack with Tom Ince and Jamie Ward in support, but Derby's other centre-forward options are limited and they are scouring the emergency loan market for cover.

McClaren said: "We are looking, but there is no problem to go again with Johnny - he did a great job.

"He showed energy and a willingness to run, he is a centre-forward and he will score goals."

Russell has only just returned to action after being out of action with a hamstring injury and McClaren added: "We've got to be careful with him."

McClaren confessed that he "couldn't believe" that his side had lost but was delighted with the manner of the performance following last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

He added: "We dominated the game and played the Derby way; I thought we were excellent.

"Last Saturday we didn't deserve to win and tonight we didn't deserve to lose. I was pleased with what I saw; playing like that will give us results."

Brighton boss Chris Hughton hailed the victory as the most satisfying since he took over from Sami Hyypia on New Year's Eve.

He said: "We showed great character against a very good footballing team. You can see why they are in this position.

"Had Derby scored in the first 15 minutes of the second half it would have been very tough for us."

The Seagulls' fourth win in their last five home games has put them nine points above the drop zone, and Hughton felt it was "nice to turn around the home form".

He added: "It's a very uncomfortable and nervy feeling to be only a point above the relegation zone, so certainly the feeling is more comfortable at this moment.

"Games come thick and fast and we must try and win some games away from home now."

Stephens came off the bench for the sixth game running to put Albion ahead and Hughton had special praise for the former Charlton midfielder, who had been sidelined for 10 months with ankle ligament and nerve damage.

Hughton said: "He did really well when he came on. He's been out for a long time but he showed great energy and played in a more advanced position helped us."

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