POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: ‘It’s a collective effort and we’re all in it together with big games coming up’ - Clarke

Centre-back Matt Clarke reinforced the importance of the strong togetherness in the Derby County squad after John Eustace's side secured a clean sheet and maximum points in a 2-0 success against Coventry City in the Sky Bet Championship.

The 28-year-old headed in his first goal since re-joining the club from Middlesbrough in January to give Derby the lead in the 23rd minute as they went on to beat Coventry, their second win in as many games at Pride Park Stadium following Saturday's 2-1 triumph over Blackburn Rovers.

Clarke caught up with RamsTV after the win on home turf.

On an important three points…

It’s brilliant. The work that the squad, the management staff and everyone has put in to get that first win at the weekend gave us a sense of relief. You have to go back it up and to get another one tonight with an equal or even better performance was really pleasing.

I said when I first came in, it didn't have the feel of a changing room that hadn't picked up the results it wanted to. It hasn't got that feel. The lads work every day; we push, and we believe in what we're doing. I feels good to finally get some reward for that.

On scoring the opening goal…

When I was here on loan a few years ago I should have got a few more goals and then even since signing, I've had a few chances that have played on my mind and feeling like I should have scored. It's good to get one tonight. Hopefully I can build some momentum and keep being a threat in the box.

It could have become quite a long half [if Derby hadn’t scored early in the second half] as they put more people forward and if there's only one goal in it anything can happen. It was important that we started better in the second half, feeling like they might come out with something to prove. We wanted to stay on the front foot.

On the emotions at full-time...

We're going to need everyone, whether it's the fans or the lads that aren't getting the minutes they want. The staff that help us with the recovery, you need everyone in this run-in. It's a collective effort and we've all got to enjoy it and keep backing it up because we've got nothing really to celebrate at the moment.