POST-MATCH REACTION: Morris praises focus and faith after embarking on winning run

Carlton Morris has heaped praise on Derby County’s focus and faith after going into the November international break off the back of five successive Sky Bet Championship victories.

Derby were 2-1 winners at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday lunchtime in their final outing before the two-week gap between fixtures, with Morris on target inside the opening 20 minutes to put the Rams on their way to victory.

John Eustace’s side started the season with one win from their opening ten outings in the second tier, although half of those ended as draws and there were performances on display that warranted a better points return.

The 1-0 home victory over Norwich City last month started the winning run, which was followed up by triumphs against Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United and Hull City prior to the clash with Blackburn at Ewood Park.

Morris says the Rams kept their nerve and didn’t panic in the early stages of the season when results weren’t going their way, and he believes they are reaping the rewards for their hard work.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle at Blackburn, Morris said: “It is going well at the moment after a bit of an indifferent start.

“The performances were there, but the results weren’t. We never lost focus and we never lost faith in what this squad is capable of; we didn’t panic.

“The gaffer has recruited unbelievably well, and we have a squad that is fit and raring to go.”

He added: “We’ve got a group that know it is a squad game. We’ve got the lads not starting keeping everyone on their toes and it is a great environment to be a part of.”

Morris, who joined the Rams from Luton Town in June, has enjoyed a productive season start to life in a Derby shirt.

His goal at Blackburn was his tenth of the season and his fifth in the last week, with three being headers from excellent corner deliveries.

The 29-year-old was quick to praise the contribution of his team-mates towards his productivity in front of goal.

He said: “The deliveries have been spot on. I try to be presence in the box, as we all do, but if the delivery isn’t right then it is a non-starter.

“I am just grateful to the boys for how much quality they are delivering at the moment.”