Goalkeeper Andy Lonergan reflected on his first team return and admitted he expects a fight to retain his place in the team.

While the goalkeeper couldn't be blamed for a bizarre goal that saw Simon Church score with an exquisite chip from the narrowest of angles after a long ball forward, the United stopper insists his place in the side against Derby County on Boxing Day is not a given.

"Saturday was a scrappy game," said the keeper. "It didn't feel like we got hold of the game and the early goal didn't help.

"I watched it 20 times straight afterwards and the first thing Maik Taylor said to me was 'there was no way you could have come for the ball.'

"I thought that at the time, and there were a few groans from behind, and you think 'should I have come for it or retreated to my line?' but he controlled it well and it was a good finish.

"I was disappointed though because it was my chance to get my place back and I didn't feel as though I took that chance. 

"I thought I'd done well before I got injured, but Alex has done well and I've got to fight my back, and whoever is picked next week will get my full backing."