Paul Jones has been the butt of the training ground jokes all this week - and he's delighted about it.

Not that he is happy about his error that gifted Derby their victory over Saints at Pride Park.

But he knows that, if his team-mates had any doubts about him, they'd not be taking the mickey.

He said: "It is a bit like blokes who joke about their wives having a big backside.

"If they really were overweight, their husbands wouldn't make fun of it. It would be too sensitive.

"I look at it the same way with the lads giving me a bit of ribbing on the training ground.

"It is all part of the banter that you get in every dressing room. I got a bit of good-natured stick and, to be honest, that helps.

"I'd be more worried if they avoided me or went silent when I walked past.

"That would've indicate they'd lost confidence in me, but this is all part of the team spirit which has been such a key part of the club through the years.

"That is why we've done so well and defied the odds on a few occasions.

"The team spirit is as strong as ever. It's not a problem at all.

"The lads have not wavered despite the upheavals this season.

"We will stick together wheth-er we are tenth in the league or bottom.

"I'm sure we'll get it right and start to climb the table.

"We've played well in the last two games and been very unfortunate to lose both.

"We could do with a slice of luck going our way like the one Derby had against us."

With typical honesty, Jones shouldered the blame for the freak goal which saw James Beattie's slice loop up and spin crazily in off a post, possibly via Youl Mawene.

But he prefers to look forward rather than back and is determined to bounce back in the same way he did from last season's mistake at Old Trafford.

He added: "Glenn Hoddle always said it is not the setbacks in life which matter but how you respond to them.

"After the goal at Derby, I took a few catches and punched a few.

"I didn't let it bother me during the game and I won't let it affect me now.

"I've no reason to think I won't be playing tomorrow and I'll give 100 per cent as I always do.

"In the national press I got slated - even on local television - but I won't let it affect me.

"I've always bounced back before and I will do again.

"This was just such a freak occurrence, the kind which is unlikely to happen again.

"It was my first rick of the season but all keepers make them.

"Fabien Barthez has been slaughtered recently, and he is one of the best in the world.

"Last season I felt I had a really good run of form after the game at Old Trafford, and I'm determined to make sure the same thing happens again - starting tomorrow."