Joe Bryan admitted Fulham were disappointed with the way they let a chance to clinch promotion slip away at Derby tonight but urged his team-mates not to get too down.

It looked as if the Championship leaders could seal an immediate return back to the top flight when Fabio Carvalho stroked them ahead on the twenty minute mark, but Marco Silva’s side were overwhelmed by a revitalised Derby after the break with Luke Plange and a Tosin Adarabioyo own goal gives the Rams a vital victory in their battle against the drop.

Bryan told FFCTV after the final whistle:

“A tough result – ultimately we wanted to win, but we can’t get too down. Derby played very, very well, they were right up for it and they outfought us so fair play to them. The beauty of the Championship is we’ve got another game on Tuesday so we can regroup and go again.

“It was a tough battle. The boy I was playing against was a young boy but he’s done very well and he gave me a tough evening. It was a feisty game, it makes me play better.

The former Bristol City left back is pleased to be back involved in the first team following a tough spell out of the side.

“I had a tough period where I wasn’t really involved and I was training in a small group and away from the squad on a matchday. I’m a professional, I work hard and I got myself back into a position where I was fit. I’ve done well in training and the manager’s rewarded me with some games. I think I’ve given a good account of myself. I might not always do the best, but I do try.”