Craig Bryson is urging Derby County to “stand up and be counted” as they look to bounce back quickly from a 3-1 defeat to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Another stunning Harry Wilson free-kick was not enough for the Rams to overcome the Blades in the annual Boxing Day fixture, who earned three points after goals by Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and Leon Clarke.
The midfielder admitted that the goals Derby conceded were “sloppy” and it was a frustrating defeat after getting back into the game.
“The first-half we started ok and I think it was a pretty even game,” Bryson told RamsTV following the final whistle.
“They took the lead from a free header then the second-half we got back into the game through another great free-kick from Harry again.
“The second two goals were sloppy from our point of view and it’s not good enough. It is frustrating, especially after you get back into the game you feel like you can go on to win it and the manner that we conceded the goals.”
As with every game, Bryson said that there are positives to take forward as well as lessons to be learned.
It was the Rams’ first defeat following four games unbeaten and the 32-year-old believes the key to get back to their winning ways will be to strengthen their defensive form.
“There are always positives to take from certain points of the game, but we keep having to chase games recently and it is always hard,” he continued.
“We need to get back to being solid at the back and we can use that as a foundation to go on and win games.”
There are just three days until the Rams go again and get their opportunity to bounce back when they travel to Carrow Road to face Norwich City.
The Canaries have been in good form since the sides’ meeting at Pride Park, that ended in a 1-1 draw at the start of October, which has seen them rise to second in the Sky Bet Championship table.
Bryson added: “That’s what the Championship is all about. There are no easy games in this league and there is no tougher than going to the top of the league, but it is where everyone has to stand up and be counted.
“We know how tough it is going to be down there, they are flying at the moment, but we feel that on our day when we get everything right then we are a match for everybody. It is down to us recently and I don’t think we have done as well as we can.”