Derby County captain Conor Hourihane said he was 'delighted' with the 2-1 home victory over Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon and was quick to praise the character of the side to find the late winner.
The Rams looked like they were going to have to settle for a point in Sky Bet League One when former Ram Chris Martin headed in an 87th minute equaliser, cancelling out Jack Hunt's own goal after the hour mark, but Nathaniel Mendez-Laing slammed home the winner a few minutes later.
Speaking to RamsTV after the game, the skipper reflected on the performance and a third straight win in League One.
On the performance...
We're delighted with the win. When they got the equaliser we were all very disappointed but we knew there would be plenty of additional time to go and grab a winner. To show the character we did and the little bit of quality at a key time was massive. That's a few good wins at home now in the league and we're playing alright. It's a big win, for sure.
On the feeling after the late equaliser...
We had to show some calm heads to stay in and around it. We had to do the things that look small but can turn into something massive. Credit to Tyrese Fornah, he got in and around it and got the break of the ball at a key time in the game and set up Nat to win it. We're delighted and it shows character. Credit to everyone, it's a big win and it creates that buzz.
On Nathaniel Mendez-Laing's form...
He's doing great. He's a huge threat in the league. He's probably quicker and stronger than most players at this level and when he adds numbers to his games like he is at the minute, he's key for us. Credit to him, he's scoring big goals for us and creating and long may that continue.
On being back in the top six...
It gives us a huge boost. The first thing we want to do when we get back in after a game is where we are in the league. We've been flirting with it over the last few games and not quite got in there, but to get in there now is huge. Hopefully we can build on that and take our form into the away games in the next couple against Port Vale and Leyton Orient and put in some good performances there because they are going to be key to getting the consistency going and climbing the league.
