Paul Jewell believes his battling side deserved at least a point from Sunday's trip to Everton.

But the Derby boss isn't getting wound up about beating Sunderland's lowest-ever Premier League total of 15.

"The Sunderland target would be nice," Jewell told RamsWorld after former Derby loanee Leon Osman scored the only goal of the game at a subdued Goodison Park, "but that is not the most important thing in the world.

"The most important thing is making sure we are ready for action next season."

He said his side had passed the ball well in the Everton game and in the previous encounter against Fulham, adding: "I can't fault my side for endeavour and they are starting to show more thought and craft, but it is what we do in the final third that really makes the difference - that's where we need to improve.

"But today was encouraging. We played well enough against a team fifth in the Premier League and with multi-million pound players to keep their crowd quiet - but it is the quality in the final third that makes the difference.

"I was disappointed with their goal, but Tito was one-on-one with their keeper and Hossam Ghaly had another terrific game, so I think we deserved at least a point."

Miles Sterjovski limped out of the Everton game with a new injury - an achilles problem.

The Australia international injured his groin in the last away encounter at Middlesbrough, but Jewell revealed that the winger was troubled by a different problem at Goodison Park.

"It occurred in the first half," said the Derby boss, "and Mile tried to run it off, but finally had to concede defeat."

We are Derby - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!