Leeds boss Simon Grayson lauded keeper Kasper Schmeichel after seeing his side go down 2-1 to Derby at Elland Road. Rob Hulse's goal and Kris Commons' penalty - either side of Luciano Becchio's equaliser - proved enough for the Rams to condemn Leeds to their first opening-day defeat in 21 years.

Grayson said: "Kasper Schmeichel made some fantastic saves for us. He is a big personality with a big stature like his dad (former Manchester United keeper Peter Schmeichel). His distribution and shot-saving were very good and he will learn from it, as a lot of the players will.

"Both teams had opportunities but we passed the ball in the wrong areas, gave it away at times and invited a bit of pressure on ourselves. Even so, there were a lot of positives to take from the game. Derby have a lot of players who have been there and done it and we will learn from the experience.

"Rob Hulse works ever so hard but I felt our back four let him dictate to them what he wanted to do. We gave them too many opportunities but I warned the players before the game that this was a step up for us and we couldn't afford to switch off.

"We have to learn quickly and I am sure we will. There were plenty of things we did today that were encouraging but the first game of a season is always difficult and Derby can hit you on the counter attack through Paul Green, Kris Commons and Hulse.

"We had six players out who would quite easily get into our team. When we were trying to change the system we didn't have many attacking options. We have been trying to do some deals in the last few days and will continue to do that. It will be a bonus when our injured and suspended players return to the squad.

"We hit the bar, had clearances off the line and caused them problems though the result was disappointing. We will just move on to the next game. "

Rams boss Nigel Clough felt his side could have made it more comfortable for themselves after squandering numerous chances.

Clough said: "The result didn't give me any special satisfaction because of my dad's time at Leeds. I felt more pressure because they wouldn't let my son walk on the pitch an hour and a half before the kick-off. Apparently it was a club rule.

"The performance was encouraging, especially in the first half when we got the ball down and played. We could have made it a bit more comfortable for ourselves because we got into some great areas but their keeper made some superb saves, even in the six-yard box.

"I was a little bit concerned about the chances we created without actually putting the ball in the net because as soon as the fixtures came out we knew it was going to be a big one for both clubs.

"I think some of our lads were nervous because they had never played in an atmosphere like that.

"But Kris Commons was outstanding for us. He got a bit tired in the second half but he is as fit as he has been for a long time. Our 4-2-3-1 system is unusual but the players have settled into it well."