Head Coach gives his take on Derby County's 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Steve McClaren was delighted with the impact of his three substitutes as Derby County progressed to Round Three of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday evening with a 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic.

Spanish youngster Ivan Calero, who came off the bench midway through the second half for his first Rams appearance, struck a fine winner three minutes from time in the all-Championship Second Round tie.

Fellow substitutes Chris Martin and fellow debutant Alefe Santos also had a positive impact following their introduction in what was a triple change by McClaren as Derby sought to avoid a further 30 minutes of extra time.

Having made a handful of changes to his side in order to get match minutes into the likes of Zak Whitbread, Leon Best and Omar Mascarell's legs, as well as a debut for new signing Ryan Shotton, and he was impressed with the level of performance produced by his side.

He told Rams Player: “The changes made a real impact for us.


“The two youngsters gave us energy and deserved their chance after doing well with the Under 21s, while Chris Martin is obviously a key player for us.


“The substitutes all made an impact and that’s what you want.


“Chris set up the goal with a great run and Ivan took it superbly.


“He is a bit illusive and always seems to pop up in the box; he can score goals.


“All round I thought it was a patient performance and I am pleased with the players, especially those that came into the side.


“Ryan Shotton didn’t put a foot wrong, Zak Whitbread was excellent and both Leon Best and Omar Mascarell did well on their first starts.”


He added: “We’re in the next round of the Capital One Cup and that was our aim at the start of the night.


“We’ve kept the momentum going so from that point of view we are very happy.”


 

McClaren hopes that Calero’s goal will provide a further feel-good factor to Derby’s Under 21 squad, as well as a visible pathway to the first-team squad. 

As well as Calero and Santos' involvement, first-year professional Farrend Rawson was an unused substitute.

He said: “It’s great for the Under 21s that the lads have come in and done well.


“When we achieved Category One status we knew that we needed to improve the squad.


“Chris Evans, our Head of Football Operations, and the scouting team have done a great job and recruited some very good youngsters.


“We have a good team at that level and they play some very good football.

“The individuals are developing and Ivan and Alefe deserved their chance because they’ve done well.”


Watch Steve McClaren’s full post-match interview on Rams Player.


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