Manager Frank Lampard praised the impact of midfielder Duane Holmes as he helped his side beat Birmingham City 3-1 at Pride Park Stadium yesterday.
The 23-year-old made his full debut for the Rams in the home victory, replacing the influential Mason Mount who was missing with an ankle injury.
“We are not sure of the severity of it yet,” Lampard admitted, talking to RamsTV regarding Mount’s injury. “We were trying to get him ready for this game but it wasn’t possible. We will be able to assess him over the next couple of days.”
Lampard made the decision to hand Holmes, who he signed from Scunthorpe United on Deadline Day back in August, his Pride Park debut on Saturday and the midfielder took his chance to impress.
“Duane Holmes came in for Mason Mount and deserves huge credit because to fill his boots with the way Mason is playing is tough on one hand but to play the way he did in the second half, I thought he was crucial to the win,” said Lampard.
“He is desperate to play. He has been training really well over the last couple of weeks. He has showed up all the time and he is here for the future of the club.
“He’s a young player and in the second half we can see what he can do. He has an injection of pace, he can move away from people in midfield which opens up the space. I’m delighted with Duane.
“He has had to be patient but in the big picture here, he signed in the summer under the radar but I think he is going to be a big player for us.”