Post-Match Verdict: James Collins Vs Portsmouth (H)

Derby County striker James Collins believes the Rams deserved three points for their performance against Portsmouth in front of a season's best crowd of over 31,700 fans at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

Collins scored soon after coming off the bench in the second half to cancel out Colby Bishop's first-half strike as the Rams were held to a 1-1 draw in their final Sky Bet League One game of the season on home turf.

Speaking to RamsTV after the game the striker, who is now on 12 goals for the season, gave his verdict on the performance as Derby sit two points clear of Peterborough United in the play-off places with one league fixture left to play this season.

On his goal...

It's nice to be back on the scoresheet. It's been a while but I thought we deserved three points. I thought we played really well, especially in the first 25 minutes - but it wasn't to be. I love scoring goals. I love scoring goals for this club, especially scoring in front of the home fans it's amazing. I wish it was the winner but it wasn't to be.

On whether he felt a winner was coming...

I had a chance to be fair with a header which I maybe should have done better with it. I was always confident that we could win the game. We created great chances and got in great areas but it wasn't to be.

On the play-offs being in their hands...

We've only got ourselves to blame if we don't get the play-offs, it's all in our hands so it's only us that can let ourselves down.

On playing at Pride Park this season...

It's been outstanding. Today was brilliant, the fans stuck with us all the way. The away fans have been particularly brilliant, you see the followings we take to places like Exeter on Tuesday nights. I've really enjoyed my time with the fans, they've been brilliant for me and I'm sure I speak on behalf of all the lads when I say thank you.