Midfielder Liam Thompson says Derby County's Emirates FA Cup Third Round tie against Sky Bet League One side Leyton Orient can provide a valuable platform for the side to build from in the second half of the 2024/25 season.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut for Derby against non-league side Chorley in January 2021 in the FA Cup Third Round in a side made up of Academy players with the Rams' first-team sidelined owing to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Academy graduate Thompson has made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Rams this season and is closing in on 100 senior outings for the club.
Paul Warne’s side head into Saturday’s Third Round knockout tie against Leyton Orient looking to return to winning ways after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Bristol City last weekend in the Sky Bet Championship.
Thompson spoke to RamsTV ahead of Saturday’s Third Round clash against the O’s, who have won seven and drawn one of their last eight matches in the league.
On making his senior debut in the FA Cup in 2021…
It was a bit of a weird one during COVID-19. All of the Academy boys had to play, which was good for us, and it was a tough game on the day. A bit of a weird way to make your debut and it was a disappointing result, but the circumstances were something that was unheard of. We didn't expect to be thrown in; none of the lads expected it. I don't even think the coaches did at the time! It was good for us and our development.
On scoring his first senior goal in the FA Cup against Torquay United in 2022…
It was a left-footed goal, I remember. It was a really proud moment, and it was a good moment in my career. I think everyone looks forward to the FA Cup fixtures in the calendar. It's another chance to play against some big teams, and it's a great competition to be involved in.
On having a week's break between matches after a busy Christmas fixture schedule…
We've needed the break after a tough month. We've not got the results we wanted recently, so the FA Cup is a chance to win and it is a game we want to win. We need a performance to build on and take into the next league game at Pride Park. It's Watford, so it's important that we put things right in this game. Leyton Orient are in excellent form at the minute, so, it'll be a tough tie.
On building up minutes in the team after returning from injury recently…
It's obviously a step up from League One last season, and I knew it was going to be tough, but I'm really pleased with my involvement so far. It's tough with every position, but especially midfield at the minute. We have players are injured at the minute, David Ozoh's got to come back but the squad depth is big this year, so everyone's fighting. I'm happy with my contribution and just want to keep adding to that.
