Derby County 2-2 Norwich City

Norwich remain just outside the play-off places in seventh

• Derby denied return to the top of the Championship

• Steven Whittaker scores first goal since August 2013

• Chris Martin nets his 15th of the season

• Derby without a win in three

Steven Whittaker prevented Derby from going back to the top of the Championship as he struck late to earn Norwich a point.

Chris Martin's penalty appeared to have earned the Rams a crucial three points with his 15th goal of the campaign.

But they were denied when Whittaker converted Nathan Redmond's corner.

Earlier Johnny Russell had given Derby the lead just prior to the break from Martin's pass before Cameron Jerome levelled from Jonny Howson's ball.

This was a big game for Derby who had lost three out out of their last four matches including a 2-0 loss at Middlesbrough last Saturday and a 3-1 home defeat by Chelsea in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

Head coach Steve McClaren was animated as his side struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early stages with Martin's header from Omar Mascarell's corner and a tame Craig Bryson effort the closest they came.

Norwich, who had won their previous two matches, had the ball in the net through Alexander Tettey but the effort was ruled out as Jerome was in an offside position as he dummied the ball.

Russell eased Derby nerves as he broke the deadlock just before half-time, converting from close range after Martin's strength had set up the opportunity.

Norwich levelled early in the second half as Jerome tapped home from Howson's cross but Neil Adams' side were left frustrated after Cueller gave away a penalty, bringing down Martin just inside the area.

The taking of the spot-kick was delayed as the referee spoke to several players but former Canary Martin, who left Carrow Road in 2013, kept his nerve, firing into the corner.

However, Derby could not hold on with Whittaker drilling an effort in off the post after Russell Martin had headed on Redmond's corner.

The result leaves the Rams in fourth position after Saturday's games with Norwich staying in seventh.

Derby head coach Steve McClaren said: "This was always going to be a difficult game - our third in a week coming off the back of the Boro game and the fabulous effort against Chelsea.

"To get the players up for it emotionally was always going to be difficult. We needed to show solidarity and togetherness, grit and determination and character. And we very nearly pulled it off. We made a lot of mistakes and that's what the third game brings you."

Norwich manager Neil Adams said: "We thoroughly deserved the equaliser we got and I thought we deserved to win, to be honest.

"Our plan nearly worked to perfection. They couldn't get into any rhythm. I watched them against Chelsea the other night and they got into rhythm many times that night - against a top, top team. So that tells you how well we did."

Derby head coach Steve McClaren often watches games from the stands but he was an animated presence on the touchline throughout

Cameron Jerome scored his 11th goal of the season

Chris Martin ensured ex-team-mate Russell Martin had a tough afternoon

Johnny Russell put Derby ahead with his seventh goal of the campaign