Stephen Bradley hailed Graham Burke for having the confidence to execute his wonder goal at the Brandywell.
The Republic of Ireland international scored from the halfway line after spotting Candystripes keeper Nathan Gartside off his line.
And Hoops boss Bradley gushed: “There’s not many players in the league who have the ability to see that shot let alone execute it.
“Graham is an Ireland international for a reason and he’s a top player for us who is only getting into his stride.”
Moments before the goal, Burke aggravated an injury that he carried into the game and the Rovers bench were considering taking him off.
Bradley revealed: “We didn’t want to take any chances with the run of games coming up but Graham is at his best when he’s playing.
“He was complaining of a dead leg in the Dundalk game and it probably didn’t have the chance to heal but he was okay.”
Burke added to Rory Gaffney’s opening goal to send the Hoops up to third in the table.
But Derry remain rock bottom without a point from their four games ahead of a big clash at home to Drogheda on Friday.
Boss Declan Devine is feeling the heat and said: “I’m really disappointed to go four games without a point.
“We have to stay confident that things will turn around for us and turn around quickly.
“I’m devastated to lose the game and there are no plus points from tonight apart from some of the younger players.”
