Never doubt my players declared Neil Adams after Norwich City's brave comeback frustrated promotion rivals Derby in a 2-2 Championship thriller.

The Canaries fell behind twice, with City old boy Chris Martin a key figure for the Rams when he set up Johnny Russell before slotting a second half penalty to cancel out Cameron Jerome's equaliser. City bravely rallied, however, and were full value for Steven Whittaker's 89th minute leveller to stay seventh, four points outside the play-off spots ahead of a festive double header against Millwall and Reading.

'I thought the commitment and the attitude was first class,' said delighted Canaries' chief Adams. 'At 2-1 down many sides would have crumbled. It was a big kick in the teeth to concede so soon after getting back on terms. The lads gave everything. We actually got stronger and I was just hoping the fourth official would put up seven or eight minutes instead of four. It's as good as we have played all season. We were outstanding all game.

'It was a fantastic performance the way we set up to stop Derby playing. Not many teams will come and press them as high as we did and you have to brave to do that. It worked almost to perfection. You can always tell when the crowd are getting a little bit edgy because Derby didn't get into their rhythm all afternoon.'