Derby boss Nigel Clough praised his side's qualities after they conquered rivals Birmingham 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.
A Conor Sammon brace and a late winner by substitute Nathan Tyson secured the spoils, after the Blues twice came back through a Marlon King penalty and a Peter Lovenkrands header.
"It's about character, determination and it's also honesty as much as anything from the players," Clough said.
"Their honesty is incredible. They never give up, they keep going and keep trying to do the right things. I thought the manner of the third goal was as good as anything.
"It was a brilliant goal, it came from the right, was dotted across and ended with a sidefoot and a tap-in inside the six-yard box, not many goals finish like
that."
Clough was also delighted for Sammon, who had scored only twice in his previous 44 matches.
"He's not renowned for his goalscoring and we didn't bring him in for that but hopefully this will give him a big boost," he added.
"He deserved to get two goals because he led the line brilliantly."
