Evans Praises Rams' Defensive Strength

George Evans praised Derby County’s defensive strength to hold off Preston North End and fight for a point despite not being at their best in the goalless draw at Deepdale.

The Rams came close to breaking the deadlock through Harry Wilson, but the Wales international attacker struck the woodwork twice in the first-half.

The hosts put in a strong performance in the second half, but Derby worked tirelessly to keep them from finding the net through a handful of brilliant saves by Kelle Roos in just his second league appearance for the club - and important blocks coming from his team-mates.

Despite struggling to work out clear-cut chances down the other end, Evans praised the Rams’ ability to keep their second consecutive clean sheet.

“We knew when we came here what a tough game it would be,” Evans told RamsTV following the game.

“We got a foothold towards the end of the first half then half-time came which probably wasn’t a good time because we had just got in control of the game.

“They came out in the second-half and put a lot of pressure on us. One thing we did show today was character to defend it and keep a clean sheet.”

He added: “When you are playing well and everything is good and happy then that side sometimes goes unnoticed.

"We have got that in this team in abundance. We have got Richard Keogh, Fikayo Tomori and everyone putting their body on the line. Kelle was brilliant again in goal too.

“You could go through the whole team who worked hard defensively and put in a shift to keep that clean sheet.

“If you are not playing well then you need to make sure you don’t concede. We didn’t play at our best but we will definitely take the point.”

Wilson struck twice from range, again showing the lethal potential of his left foot a his efforts hit the crossbar and then the post.

While he also fed his Wales teammate, Tom Lawrence, through to go one-on-one with Declan Rudd but he lashed wide.

“With Harry we know his technique from shooting,” Evans said of his team-mate.

“He has a fantastic left foot and the first one that hit the crossbar I thought was a great effort - but the second I thought was definitely in.

“On another day that could go in, but we have got players who can create goals and score from that distance, so we just need to keep trying to get him in those areas to do that and express himself.”

Evans played the full 90 minutes for the second game in a row after featuring for the FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley last weekend.

The midfielder said he is delighted to be involved after following his injury struggles at the start of the season.

He has shared the load in the middle of the pitch since his return on Boxing Day with Tom Huddlestone, but is adamant he will continue to work hard and hopes to keep his place.

“I’m delighted to be back in and back-to-back games again,” he said.

“I just want to try and keep my place in the team now, keep working hard and keep improving. We have got great staff here to do that.

“This is what you want as a footballer, games coming thick and fast ad to keep going. I want to play as many games as possible.”