Burley proud of players in defeat

Derby 0-0 Preston (agg: 0-2) Preston match reaction

Derby boss George Burley hailed his players for turning around the club's fortunes in the last year despite losing to Preston in the play-offs.

"The players worked hard and you think if we score we're back in the tie, but it wasn't to be," said Burley.

"But when you think how far they've come in just a year - we finished fourth this year, last year we were a point away from getting relegated.

"We played our part in a fantastic fight but credit must go to Preston."

He added: "They worked very, very hard over both legs and they defended really well.

"We needed a goal, especially when Grzegorz Rasiak has the penalty near the end, it might have opened up, but you need a break of the ball and it didn't happen.

"I can't ask for any more from my players, especially the guys who were doubts coming into the game, they were great, a gamble worth taking.

"The final can go either way, on the day I'm sure it will be a tremendous game."