Steve McClaren reckons the next goal is likely to decide whether Derby or Albion reach the Championship play-off final.

Derby hold a one goal advantage going into today’s play-off semi-final second leg at the iPro Stadium after a hard-fought and nervous 2-1 victory at the Amex on Thursday night.

McClaren: We need to be better

McClaren has warned that the tie is far from decided despite the Rams’ slender advantage and when asked how important the next goal would be in the momentum of the tie he left nobody in any doubt of its likely impact on the overall outcome.

The former England chief said: “It’s crucial, absolutely crucial. Brighton have nothing to lose and can take risks and we want them to knowing that we can be quick and decisive on the counter attack and cause them problems.”