Wolves forward Andy Keogh admits his performance against Derby was probably his most important in a gold shirt.

The Irish striker scored two and turned in a man-of-the-match display as Mick McCarthy’s side came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 to move within a victory of promotion.

He said: “I wouldn’t say it was my best performance but it was a performance that will stick out in people’s minds a bit more, because of the importance of the game.

“I thought I did OK even though I had a few sloppy touches, but apart from that I was happy enough with how I played.”

Keogh’s first goal came when he showed great technique to volley home Christophe Berra’s clearance, before diving to head in Marlon Harewood’s 87th-minute cross.

The Republic of Ireland international said: “I was happy enough with my first goal – I watched it well. There was a hint that I fouled him (defender) a bit.

“I nudged him a bit, but when that happens to me I never get the free-kick. Thankfully the referee kept his whistle in his pocket and it was a good start.”

Keogh was booked for taking off his shirt in celebration after scoring the winner, but added that it was worth a yellow.

He said: “It was just one of those moments. It was a great ball from Marlon – I don’t know how he squeezed it through. I think it went through the defender’s legs.

“I don’t think their defender realised I was behind him – he just left it and luckily I reacted and it went in.”

Keogh admitted Wolves were often “outplayed” by the Rams.

He said: “The lads dug deep. We were disappointed going behind but if I’m being honest, Derby probably deserved it.

“They outplayed us for a while but it just shows the character the lads have shown all season and how much we work for each other that we came back like we did.

“You could see what it meant to us when we went 3-2 ahead – the whole bench were down with us celebrating in the corner.

“It means so much to everyone at the club and it’s just a great feeling.”

Substitute Kyel Reid was full of praise for Keogh’s performance.

The winger said: “Keogh was different class. His first goal was a great finish. The crowd had been on to him a bit in games, so he needed that bit of confidence to get himself back into it and it showed with two great finishes, just when we needed them as well.”

“It was a very important three points for us. I thought the boys started very well after a great result on Friday against Southampton wwe couldn’t have asked for a better start, in fact.”

Reid claimed he hadn’t paid any attention to any other results before the game.

He said: “As soon as we got back to the dressing room, the other boys told us the results and we were buzzing when we heard.

“I was just worrying about my own game and worrying about what I had to do, which was to help the team get the points.

“I think some of the boys are concerned about the other results, but I just worry about my own game and look at the other results afterwards.

“I don’t check (on results), but the other boys do.”