“It Was Possibly Our Best Performance Of The Season”

Manager Frank Lampard felt tonight’s performance against Blackburn Rovers was his side’s best performance of the season, however, he was disappointed not to pick up the three points.

Derby created chance after chance but a combination of the woodwork and defensive blocks thwarted Lampard’s side.

Midfielder Mason Mount went closest with a free kick from 30 yards which crashed against the crossbar but the manager heaped praise on his side following the game.

“It was frustrating note because I thought we were very good today,” Lampard told RamsTV. “It was possibly our best performance of the season and four or five goals would not have flattered us today.

“We hit the post, hit the bar, shots ricocheted, blocked, goalkeeper saves so we are disappointed not to get the three points but we are pleased with the performance. The work rate was first class, the quality of our passing was first class and that’s a big take for us tonight.

“I thought the teamwork and the build up play was brilliant from us today and sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Mason Bennett, out of all the players, deserves a goal because of the way he is playing but he doesn’t get the rub of the green.

“I do believe when you work as hard as the lads are working, and they worked hard tonight, things come. It might not be tonight but it will come soon.”

Mount’s work rate and quality on and off the ball have not gone unnoticed, especially by Gareth Southgate.

The England manager was in attendance at Pride Park Stadium this evening to cast his eye over the 19-year-old. Lampard decided not to tell the youngster of the special guest appearance but he continued to pay tribute to Mount.

“I didn’t want to put that pressure on him because he puts that pressure on himself in a good way,” Lampard said. “He wants to be the best he can be in every game he plays so I can only recommend him highly enough for what he has done for us so far this season.

“I thought he was on it tonight. His constant movement and quality throughout the game was good for him and I’m sure Gareth would be impressed. I just want him to keep going. I want to keep him fit and I think there is more to come from him.

“I think there is massive uplift in him and that’s saying something when you consider the level he is at his age, I think he is going to be an absolutely top player. This is just part of his development but he is doing it for us.”

Brentford are the visitors to Pride Park Stadium on Saturday and Lampard insisted: “We need to replicate tonight’s performance. From Rotherham going down to tonight going up, we can’t do that, we need to be more consistent. We need to go again for Saturday.”