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Shaun Derry salutes Roy Carroll commitment

17 November 2014

Notts County manager Shaun Derry watched his side eke out a win at Coventry and then singled out goalkeeper Roy Carroll for praise.

The veteran County goalkeeper, like his opposite number in the Coventry goal, had little to do throughout the 90 minutes, but Derry said the fact it was his second game in less than 24 hours underlined the team spirit at the club.

Carroll had turned out for Northern Ireland in a 2-0 defeat in Romania the night before, but caught the first flight home and then drove to Coventry to play in the match that was settled by Garry Thompson's 72nd-minute winner.

"It was a case of planes, trains and automobiles for Roy getting to the ground, but I just think that typifies us as a football club," said Derry.

"We are very selfless people and Roy wanted to play and do a job for us."

City had just been getting on top when the visitors scored and should also have had the chance to draw level in the 87th minute when Notts defender Hayden Hollis bundled Gary Madine over in the box.

But Derry felt his side had earned that chunk of luck. He said: "I'm delighted with that - we changed our system after I saw Coventry play on Wednesday night and I thought we did well.

"It was a really tight game. I said to the boys at half-time that this was going to be a one-goal game and we managed to get that with a fantastic finish.

"We've had those decisions given against us at times this season, but they do even themselves out.

"I am happy that it wasn't given this time and I am sure Steven will tell you a different story. I can understand that.

"Over the course of the 90 minutes, I felt the best team won."

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