Colin Calderwood: Aston Villa have improvements to make

Lewis Grabban’s equaliser six minutes from time earned Steve Bruce’s men a 1-1 draw on the day their already slender automatic promotion hopes were finally ended.

Villa must now chase their Premier League dream through the play-offs and despite a run of ten points from their past four games, Calderwood believes their form could be better.

He said: ““I think Middlesbrough are in better form than us, the recent games tell you that.

“The pleasing thing was our tempo and how we were able to look powerful in the second half.

“You have to add a note of caution in there, though.

“Derby played in midweek (against Cardiff) and really had to chase that game.

“There must be some effect in that. We have got to be aware of that and must be aware that as good as it was, we have to be a bit better.”

Grabban fired home his 20th goal of the season - and eighth since joining Villa in January - to earn his team a deserved point.

Cameron Jerome had earlier fired Derby in front but both Grabban and substitute Jonathan Kodjia hit the bar for the hosts before the visiting defences were finally breached.

Cardiff’s win at Hull meant Villa’s hopes of a top two finish were over, regardless of their own result.

Calderwood insisted they would not be dwelling on the disappointment.

“We are clear with where we are. We won’t have the disappointment of missing out,” he said.

“Whichever way you dress it up, you have to deal with the situation in front of you.

“There can be no negative thoughts for us. We go home and away to win and hopefully we will win a game where we’re not playing in anyone’s home ground. That’s our attitude.”