Max Johnston sends clear Derby County play-off message after Southampton blow | OneFootball

Max Johnston has issued a defiant Derby County message following their Championship defeat to play-off rivals Southampton

Derby County's Championship play-off chances took a dent on Saturday, as they were beaten 2-1 by fellow top six hopefuls Southampton, but Max Johnston has issued a defiant message.

The Rams established a 1-0 lead at St Mary's Stadium on 11 April, thanks to Carlton Morris' first-half goal.

However, Southampton ran out as 2-1 winners, courtesy of second-half strikes from Leo Scienza and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, to move Tonda Eckert's men up to fifth.

Derby are now eighth, five points adrift of sixth-place Hull City with just four Championship games remaining.

Max Johnston issues defiant Derby County message following return

Derby's defeat to Southampton marked full-back Johnston's first start since October, after the 22-year-old made his return from injury with a cameo appearance in Easter Monday's 2-0 win over Stoke City.

The Rams must bounce back from their defeat to the Saints with a victory over Oxford United next Saturday, and Johnston will be keen to play his part in that.

Meanwhile, taking to Instagram following his side's loss at Southampton, the Scotland international wrote: "It’s not over until it’s over! So grateful to be back out there with the boys. It’s been a tough five months, but being out there today made it all worth it."

Derby's play-off chances are not entirely in their hands, as they sit behind Southampton, Hull, and Wrexham, courtesy of Saturday's loss on the South Coast.

However, as alluded to by Johnston, the closing stages of the Championship season can still bring plenty of twists and turns, and the Rams may still break into the top six.

Following their clash with Oxford, John Eustace's men face Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers, and Sheffield United.

None of the U's, Canaries, R's, or Blades have realistic play-off aspirations or relegation worries, making them ideal opponents for Derby at this crucial point in the Championship campaign.

However, the Rams are also reliant on slip-ups from Southampton, Hull, and Wrexham.

Max Johnston can show Derby County his quality in the closing stages of the season

Johnston arrived at Derby with a big reputation last summer, as a senior Scotland international who also played in the Champions League for his former club, Austrian outfit Sturm Graz.

Before moving to the Austrian Bundesliga in the summer of 2023, the 22-year-old earned Scottish top-flight experience with Motherwell.

When Johnston signed for the Rams last summer, he told the club website: "I'm delighted. Obviously, I am buzzing to be here and it was a long time coming. I had to wait a little bit and be patient, but I'm delighted that we've managed to get it over the line.

"It was a few weeks ago when I first got the information that Derby were interested. As soon as it came about, I was ready to come here. It's a massive club. When people say Derby County, the first thing I think of is the massive fan base that's here and, of course, the history behind the club as well. I'm ready to go."

However, Johnston's enthusiasm has not come to fruition in the way that he would have liked, as his injury struggles have restricted him to just 11 Championship appearances.

Furthermore, as reported by BBC Sport, the Rams paid £3.5million for Johnston's services, adding to their expectations that he would be a major asset.

There is no doubt that the former Sturm Graz man has endured a tough campaign, but he can show Eustace his quality in the closing stages of the season.