Gary Rowett was thrilled with a Man of the Match performance from Tom Lawrence as Derby County cruised to a 3-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers.
After goals from Alex Pearce and Matej Vydra in the first-half, the Welsh winger sealed the points with a stunning drive from range after the break.
It means that Lawrence has scored in back-to-back games for the first time in his Derby career, and Rowett was delighted with his impact.
He told RamsTV: “It was a fabulous performance, he looked bright all game, he was taking the full-back on and trying to make things happen.
“He knows that he has to deliver when he steps on the pitch and that’s what he can do.
“It was interesting to watch him in training this week, he took a lot more shots and he was hitting them harder. Hopefully those two goals will see him really start to flourish.”
Another man that Rowett was keen to praise was centre-back Alex Pearce, who retained his place in the side after the win at Deepdale against Preston North End on Easter Monday.
The boss has been keen for more of his squad to contribute in front of goal but more than anything, he wanted to highlight the dedication of a player that was making only his fourth start of the season.
He said: “You have to find different ways to win games, and sometimes a tight game is decided by a set piece.
“Richard and Curtis have one, so we have to add that into our armoury, we can’t always rely on Vyds to go and get a goal.
“I’m pleased for Pearcy after what has been a really difficult season for him. He’s come to see me a few times out of frustration, but he’s always reacted professionally.
“He goes on the bike every morning for half an hour when everyone else is probably still in bed, and that shows his professionalism.
“For me, that hard work has stood him in good stead, and now he’s in pole position to keep the shirt. He’s defended really well and he contributed at the other end today.”
Next up for the Rams is a trip to face the Sky Bet Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Wednesday night and Rowett believes that his side have nothing to fear.
“They have been very good this season and I have been very impressed,” he said.
“When you look at how they play, you can see that they’re well coached and you can see their team spirit.
“They’re a very good side and we have to respect that, but not too much. We can go and play with no fear.”
