Duane Holmes believes Derby County showed ‘great spirit’ as they rounded off 2019 with an impressive 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at Pride Park Stadium.
Youngster Jason Knight scored twice, his first professional goals, as the Rams claimed all three points against Lee Bowyer’s side.
Derby played the vast majority of the fixture with ten men after Krystian Bielik saw red for a late challenge on Conor Gallagher.
Despite being a man down, the Rams stepped up to end their seven-game run without a victory with a deserved win over the Addicks.
Midfielder Holmes, who produced a superb all-action display on the night, felt Derby’s togetherness and team spirit was evident throughout.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, Holmes said: “It is always tough when you go down to ten men so early in the game.
“The boys stuck together, worked hard and we got the win in the end.
“We felt, even being a man down, we could get on the ball and play and be a threat, which I think we were.”
He added: “We showed a great spirit and it’s a really good win for us.”
Derby are back in action at Pride Park Stadium on Thursday evening when they get 2020 underway against Barnsley (7:45pm kick-off).
England and Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney will officially become a Rams player at the beginning of January and he could make his debut against the Reds.
Holmes says everyone in the dressing room is looking forward to seeing the 34-year-old pull on a Derby shirt for the first time.
He said: “It’s going to massive for us.
“We’ve seen him in training for the last month or so and he’s still really special, so playing with him is something we’re all looking forward to.”
Holmes has made 21 appearances in all competitions for Derby this season and has been a near-ever present under Phillip Cocu after recovering from an injury which forced him to miss all of pre-season.
