3/1 To Win
Midfielder George Evans has endured a tough couple of months out injured - but to win in dramatic circumstances against second-placed Norwich City has gone a long way to easing that pain.
It was Evans’ first start since suffering a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town back in August.
The summer signing from Reading went through his rehabilitation process but has had to remain patient for his chance in the Derby County starting line-up.
He was at the heart of the action for the Rams all afternoon as he helped Frank Lamaprd's side to 4-3 victory in the dying stages of the game in an action-packed encounter at Carrow Road which included a second-half floodlight failure
“It shows unbelievable character from us,” he told RamsTV. “The first 20 to 30 minutes, they showed their qualities and we suffered a little bit but the character, desire and work rate and everything from the lads was phenomenal.
“I’ve not been involved in a game like that before and I’m just so proud of the lads. I’m delighted to get the win because it’s much needed.
“We always talk about going until the end, but you’ve got to. Norwich showed it in their last game against Forest to come back so we knew we had to go for 90 minutes and more.
“We knew when we went off with the floodlight failure that we had 10 minutes to get something. We just sensed we were going to get our chance, especially with the forwards we have got in our team. Luckily we got two chances and scored two goals so I’m delighted for everyone.
“It’s a great set of lads, great group, and to come from two down and everything that happened with the floodlights, to keep the mindset going and win the game is brilliant for us.”
Teemu Pukki scored to make it 3-2 to the Canaries in the 81st minute, but a break in play due to floodlight failure saw the Rams regroup.
It was also something which Evans admitted he had never been involved in before.
“I wasn’t sure of the rules when the floodlights went out,” he commented. “We thought it might be called off, or if you could play with three, we didn’t know the rules.
“When it happened, we just had a feeling that it was a good time for it to happen. They just scored and then we could just go out there and showed our desire and commitment. I could go through the whole team and everyone was brilliant today.
“We are going to enjoy it tonight but then we will focus on recovery and looking forward to the next game. There are a lot of matches coming up and we know how vital it is to get a win again.
"Today’s result means nothing if we don’t get a win against Middlesbrough on New Year's Day.”
Life on the treatment table is tough for a professional athlete.
Evans has overcome a lot to get back on the pitch and believes he can now go from strength to strength.
“I’m delighted to be back involved,” he said. “It’s been a tough few months for me mentally. We had a few injuries at the start of the season and I was gutted to pick up one but now to get a result on my first start back is a great feeling.
“I felt good today and as the game carries on, you hope you don’t tire. To get through 90 minutes is great on a personal level.”
