Nigel Clough lashes out at Dean Leacock and Paul Green
Furious Derby boss Nigel Clough blasted defender Dean Leacock and midfielder Paul Green after Wednesday's 5-2 loss at local rivals Nottingham Forest.
"I thought they offered us absolutely nothing," said ex-Forest star Clough.
He added: "We have a very young squad. You need those so-called experienced players to come through for you.
"We thought we were a little bit further down the road. This is a major setback and it's the most upset after I've been after a game of football."
The Rams were overrun by a rampant Forest who surged into a 92-second lead through Luke Chambers.
You've either got it or you go back to League Two or Poland or wherever you're from
Derby boss Nigel Clough
Luke Moore levelled for the visitors before two goals apiece from former Derby strikers Marcus Tudgay and Robert Earnshaw put the game to bed, meaning Kris Commons' deflected free-kick was nothing more than a consolation.
Clough added of his players: "They can't really hide. When you go over the white line, there's no hiding there, you either do it or you don't do it.
"Some can do it, some can't. We get to the stage where we give the players every opportunity but at some point you have to move on to the next group.
"All the ability in the world isn't enough at this level. You have to have the desire.
"You've either got it or you go back to League Two or Poland or wherever you're from. We can't afford to have nights like this."
Forest extended their unbeaten run at home to 30 games in front of more than 29,000 people - to the delight of Forest boss Billy Davies.
"I think the most important thing is the outstanding achievement of 30 games undefeated," he said.
"It is absolutely remarkable and great credit has to be given to everyone at this club.
"I think it's a very good three points, we should have scored more goals. It was an excellent team performance and a thoroughly deserved three points."
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