Derby manager Paul Clement praises 'excellent' Tom Ince
Saturday 19 December 2015 21:27, UK
Derby manger Paul Clement has said Tom Ince was the difference as his side ran out 1-0 winners against Ipswich.
Ince fired a mid-week hat-trick and was on the score sheet again in the 40th minute after firing in his sixth goal of the season.
Rams boss Clement said the forward was crucial to a "massive" victory. "Tom has had a good week and took his goal well, the Derby boss said. "But I am really pleased with his physical effort off the ball. He is a real team player and that is an excellent quality to have."
The victory meant Derby leapfrogged Brighton into second place in the Championship after the Seagulls were thrashed 3-0 by Middlesborough in the early kick off on Sky Sports 1. And Clement was pleased by the way his players handled the physical side of the contest.
"We had to cope with their aerial onslaught but I thought our centre backs were outstanding. It was a proper man's performance and I am absolutely delighted," he added.
"When we analysed how Ipswich would play, we knew what to expect from the first minute to the last and that chances would be few and far between - and largely coming on the break.
"This is such a difficult place to come and it was one of our hardest, and most physical, games of the season. It was a massive three points for us."
Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy refused to criticise his players and tipped Derby to make a strong charge for the Championship title.
"It was one of those when it is a good goal for them but a bad goal by us. There were times we could have picked a better pass or had more composure but I'm not going to criticise my players.
"You have to give Derby a lot of credit. If anyone finished above them and Middlesbrough, I would be very surprised."
