Nigel Clough felt his Derby County side didn't deserve to taste defeat against Cardiff City this afternoon.

Derby were beaten 2-1 at Pride Park by Dave Jones' side, with Chris Burke bagging the winner for the visitors late on.

Tomasz Cywka had hauled Derby onto level terms after Michael Chopra had put Cardiff ahead, his first goal for the Rams.

"I think we deserved a point today," said Clough post-match.

"The difference was they got a break, and we didn't.

"Cardiff are a very good side who have been together for a good few years.

"In general play they probably shaded it, but we created a few good chances and we just needed that little break.

"We could have had it late on with a few situations and on another day we'd have got a goal to take a point.

"Both goals were disappointing in their own way. It is frustrating.

"It was a bit tentative at times and the young lads were perhaps a little nervous early on, but they will be better for it today in front of a big crowd."

Clough saw plenty of positives were on show from his side against the Bluebirds.

He said: "There are some good, encouraging signs out there.

"We have a squad of young lads and they are assembling nicely.

"We believe they can improve and become good players at this level.

"As we've always said, they will need time."

Luke Varney was a surprise starter today up front with Rob Hulse and Chris Porter injured, and Clough felt the former Crewe striker performed well.

"I thought did Luke well today," he said,

"It has been a long time since he has been involved in a first team game for us.

"He created the goal for us and I didn't think we could ask any more of him."