3/1 To Win
Frank Lampard was delighted to see the majority of his Derby County squad get 45 minutes under their belts as the Rams recorded a 4-1 pre-season friendly win at Notts County.
Luke Thomas bagged twice, whilst Mason Bennett and Tom Huddlestone were also on the scoresheet at Meadow Lane as Lampard saw his players in match action ahead of the 2018/19 campaign for the first time.
As well as the commanding result, the Rams’ boss was thoroughly pleased with the display.
He told RamsTV: “I’m really happy; more than just with the scoreline. The performance was our first thought - and I thought that it was good.
“It’s difficult in pre-season with the conditions against a very organised side, so to move the ball as well as we did, I was very impressed.
“When you move the ball well, the goals come. I couldn’t ask for more. It’s normal to get a few creaks in pre-season but the lads have got 45 minutes under their belts.”
Lampard reserved praise for his two young goalscorers, in particular for the desire and commitment that they have shown during the opening weeks of pre-season.
“Luke has been bright and sharp all through pre-season,” he said.
“I knew about him before I came here, and he’s impressed me since I joined with his work ethic, his ability and his speed. He’s unpredictable, in a good way.
“He can run at people and fans love to see that and we love to see that because he can make things happen.
“He got his goals and they were well deserved, it’s great for his confidence so early in pre-season.
On Bennett, Lampard added: “I can say the same about Mason. He has impressed us with his attitude and work ethic, and he’s been brilliant in the two weeks that we have been here.
“I was delighted for him to get his goal, he’s had a few issues but he is such a talent. He’s still young, he’s powerful, quick and he has all the attributes.”
Lampard was without Scott Carson and George Thorne on Saturday, and he provided an update after the pair picked up minor knocks during the week.
He said: “Scotty has a very minor injury, there was no point in risking him for a game like this, and it was great to give minutes to Kelle Roos and Jonny Mitchell.
“George had a slight issue with his back, but he will be training with us on Monday.”
