Derby County boss Paul Clement denies taking gamble at Leeds United

Paul Clement has defended his decision to not start some of his key Derby County players against Leeds United in the Championship last night.

The Rams rescued a point at Elland Road thanks to substitute Tom Ince's late leveller, but missed the chance to go back to the top of the table.

Chris Martin and George Thorne also started on the bench, but Clement is certain that it was not a gamble leaving out some key names.

"I don't think it was a gamble," he told reporters. "We've got a good enough squad to make those changes.

"Three changes, I wouldn't say that was particularly significant. But then you have the value of those players to make an impact.

"It's been a busy period, we've played six games and we have another very big game on Saturday at Middlesbrough, so you take those things into consideration."

Derby are a point behind Middlesbrough ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash at the Riverside.