Nathan Baxter was delighted to be back on the pitch against Bristol Rovers after a challenging couple of months.

It was the goalkeeper’s first appearance since early February due to a wrist injury picked up against Barnsley.

Baxter was pleased with his performance but insists the most important thing was securing another important three points in the promotion race.

“We are back in the mix now,” he said. “We know what it is like to be chased and now we are chasing.

“Sometimes it is more difficult on the other side of the coin. (Derby) didn’t play today, they would have all been checking their phones and seeing our result.

“We just need to focus on ourselves and we know we have the ability to win four games in a row, we have done it before this season. That is what we need to focus on.”

The 25-year-old made several impressive stops throughout the afternoon as the Whites kept back-to-back clean sheets on the road.

“It is nice to come in and play well,” he continued. “I have had one-and-a-half training sessions in two months so it is not easy to come straight back in.

“But it is not about me, it is about the team getting three points. It wouldn’t have mattered to me if I played well or had a really quiet day.

“It is all about the three points and we got that. It is all to play for - we are where we are, and I am really excited to finish the season.

“That is why I came to the club, to be in a promotion battle, and I am really excited.”

Rhythm is important for goalkeepers, but neutrals watching the game would never have guessed that it was Baxter’s first game back.

“The club signed me because they know I have played at a higher level and played a lot of games,” he stated.

“This is why they pay me, to come in and play well in games like these. I was really excited to be back on the pitch, it was horrible watching in the stand.

“But Joel (Coleman) did really well the last few weeks and I wanted to come in and do him proud. He has been excellent.”