Neil Warnock reveals ‘unusual’ pre-match team talk before Derby County win as Middlesbrough bounce back after Norwich City low

Boro moved up to seventh in the Championship after goals Britt Assombalonga and Marvin Johnson, either side of a Matt Clarke own goal at the Riverside.

Warnock was pleased with his side’s overall display against a struggling Rams outfit but did feel his players were a little off the pace in the build-up to the match.

“All I’m asking them to do is their best,” said Warnock after the game. “They’re all contributing, and they all want to contribute. In training, it’s the same, they all want to do more.

"I had to give them a bit of a rollicking before the game tonight, which is unusual, because they were a bit sloppy in the dressing room, a bit lethargic. But I knew how difficult it was going to be.

"I thought they started off well, and then in the second half I thought we could up it, and I thought we did. I knew they would up it as well because they’ve got some good players.

"When you look at their squad, I’d be surprised if they’re down there at the end of the season. It’s a great win for us, and to score three goals, it doesn’t happen very often does it?”

The result was a welcome reward for Boro, who were unfortunate to lose 1-0 against Norwich on Saturday.

“I don't think I've ever been as low as I was Saturday night,” admitted Warnock.

“I couldn't sleep, I was reading a book at two in the morning. I felt it was so unjust against a good side, I felt we should have won that game.

“But Monday morning we were buzzing again, all the lads, the dressing room is great.

“Tonight they all wanted it, it's a great bunch.”

Warnock made three changes to his side from the weekend as Duncan Watmore made his debut for the Teessiders, while Patrick Roberts was also recalled.

“Duncan made the first goal, I don't think anybody else would have been in that position, it was a great header for Britt,” added Warnock.

“They both tired, Robbo and Duncan, which is understandable really.”

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