Gregory speechless after Boro win

However, the sum total of meaningful efforts was a solitary shot from midfielder Robert Lee, who was spectacularly denied by Mark Crossley in the opening half - and this in a match Derby really had to win.

Gregory insisted there was still hope but his tone suggested he was trying to convince himself. He refused a drink at his post-match Press conference - 'unless you've got a small cyanide'.

Then he conceded: 'The team performance was disappointing, to say the least. After playing so well at Chelsea, even in defeat, we were in buoyant mood - but the performance was unrecognisable. I am at a loss to explain why, although I think the pressure has got to a few of the team.

'But having seen so many good things from this team, I know we are capable of winning the last five matches. I've got to believe that and I hope my team have got the same belief.

'We're in a situation where we are hoping some of the other teams slip up but strange things happen in football.'

On this evidence, none would be stranger than Derby surviving although, in fairness, they were up against a formidable defensive unit that has stifled the life out of far superior opposition, as shown in their recent victory at Manchester United.

With Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu in imperious form and Paul Ince snapping at heels in front of them, Middlesbrough were ideally equipped to profit from an early goal.

It was provided for them when Chris Riggott cleared straight into the chest of Robbie Mustoe, who recovered quickly enough to volley the ball sweetly beyond Michael Oakes from the edge of the area.

Gregory said: 'It was a bad individual error but it would be wrong to lay the blame on one person. The nerves kicked in.'

Derby were anaemic in midfield, pedestrian on the flanks and utterly punchless in the penalty area as they resorted to hopeful, long balls.

But McClaren was entitled to feel his side were largely responsible, saying: 'We defended well and with better quality we'd have scored more goals on the break. The team has played consistently well since the turn of the year and we deserve to be where we are now.

'I'm very satisfied that we've got over the 40-point mark and we've been improving.

'I thought we gave a very professional performance today and defended well when we had to.

'Obviously, the result is tinged with sadness for me in that it leaves Derby in a precarious position. It might be a bit late for them now but I certainly expect John Gregory to take the club forward. I think he's the man to lead Derby back to success.'

McClaren paid tribute to Mustoe, adding: 'He did well to start with a sore achilles from an injury on Saturday. I'm not sure what Robbie was doing that far forward but he showed what a great professional he is. I thought he and Paul Ince in the centre were magnificent.'

Gregory could not understand the nervousness of his players, adding: 'We had 30,000 fans with us out there, which is why I am at a loss for words. It is a real mountain for us to climb now.'