POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: ‘We have to pick ourselves up and keep showing the belief and desire to win’ - Thompson

Midfielder Liam Thompson stressed the importance of maintaining the belief in the squad after Derby County sustained their first defeat in the last five Sky Bet Championship matches when they were pipped 1-0 by Swansea City on Saturday.

Derby had the lion’s share of chances in the game with Kane Wilson, Kayden Jackson and Craig Forsyth going close, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock through Ji-sung Eom with 12 minutes of regulation time to go.

The Swans held onto their advantage to deny the Rams three points for the first time since 1st March, following a four-match winning run.

Thompson caught up with RamsTV to give his thoughts after Derby fell to defeat in Wales.

On falling to a narrow defeat in South Wales…

We are frustrated with the result and felt like we should have come away with at least a point, but ultimately that one slight lack of concentration has cost us in the end, and the lads are just gutted [in the dressing room].

On conceding while in a strong position in the game...

We were always in the game, Swansea never really threatened us and we had control of them on the ball. We had a good shape behind the ball, but especially in the second half we had that bit of momentum and then as soon as they go and get that goal it sort of kills you. To see that go in was disappointing.

On holding onto the momentum and confidence built over previous results…

We've obviously been on a good run, and it's easy to go in and say we're unlucky, but that's not us; we're driving standards every day and everything matters. A point would have been vital today. We are fighting for every single point, but we're still confident going into Tuesday against Burnley at home.

It’s another tough game, but we're confident against anyone and there is a belief in the changing room. We've just got to pick ourselves up and just go again and keep showing that desire that we are showing.