Derby boss Steve McClaren said QPR’s experience told in their dramatic play-off win at Wembley.
Ten-man Rangers were struggling to hold on against the Rams after Gary O’Neil’s red card after 60 minutes.
But Bobby Zamora’s stunning last-minute winner after some sloppy defending earned the R’s an unlikely win.
McClaren, who spent three months with Rangers at the start of the season, said: “We controlled the game and dominated. We showed great courage and I am proud of the players.
“We were dominating, but football is a cruel game. One lapse and you can lose game like that.
“But credit to QPR. With10 man they had the experience to deal with it. We couldn’t get past them.
“I am am proud of them the way we kept playing and probing and the patience we showed.
“Maybe we are not ready. We still have some learning and growing up to do.
“It will take a few days and weeks to recover but the future looks bright
“We applauded QPR and stayed of the field saying ‘we don’t want this kind of hurt again’.
“We will try to go straight up next time. If this team sticks together we will get stronger.”
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This post was last modified on 24/05/2014