Clement explains strong message over his style at Derby County

But Derby had the character to keep testing Middlesbrough’s ability to defend a one-goal lead and were rewarded with an equaliser with two minutes to go when substitute Johnny Russell struck to earn Clement – like Karanka, a former Real Madrid assistant manager – a third consecutive draw.

“But then their left-back has had a swing at it with his left foot, it’s a shot, it ends up going straight to their striker who puts it in”.

Despite the early effort from Hendrick and Derby having the majority of the ball, the away side would take the lead after 15 minutes.

A late goal from Johnny Russell gave Derby County a well-deserved point against Middlesbrough in a 1-1 draw at the iPro Stadium in a game they could potentially have got more from.

Clement has endured a challenging start to his career in charge of the Rams, but he holds a firm belief in what he’s trying to achieve and the way he wants his team to play.

Moments later, he was left hanging his head when he saw a close-range header from Stewart Downing’s cross flash past the post.

The same played looped a header just wide minutes later as Boro had a spell of pressure and Grant Leadbitter also came close from a freekick before Chris Martin headed over from Warnock’s deep cross.

“I’m pleased for the players, they deserved at least a draw, but they are disappointed because they want to win games”.

And they finished the half on a promising note when Tom Ince forced an excellent reflex save out of the Boro keeper from a free-kick.

“Yes, I think it’s a very good point”, said Karanka.

Furthermore, Kike underlined his considerable threat once again in a rare foray by the visitors, unleashing a dipping shot from wide on the right which Carson was relieved to see fly over the bar.

“I thought we started the game really positively but the Middlesbrough goal really knocked the wind out of us”, said Clement.

“We have to learn when we are exhausted, we have to concentrate more”.

The Rams were encouraged by that and, with two minutes remaining, Russell pounced to lash home the ball from eight yards out from Shotton’s long punt into the penalty area. “But I’m pleased with the attitude as it was very hard”.