Rowett Ready To Unleash Lawrence Against Hull

Gary Rowett is set to give summer signing Tom Lawrence his first league start in a Derby County shirt against Hull City tomorrow night.

The 23-year-old wideman joined Derby from Premier League side Leicester City last month for an undisclosed fee.

At the time of his arrival, following an impressive 2016/17 campaign on loan at Ipswich Town, Rowett labelled the Wales international as his ‘number one target’.

Lawrence made two substitute appearances in the Sky Bet Championship, in the away games at Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, as well as starting the Carabao Cup First Round victory at Grimsby Town, prior to the international break.

Rowett, however, has revealed to RamsTV that the former Manchester United youngster will be in his starting line-up to take on the Tigers at Pride Park Stadium.

Lawrence returned to training with the Rams on Thursday morning following an impressive period away on international duty with the Welsh national side, starting both of their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification victories against Austria and Moldova.

He told RamsTV: “I was asked the question so why not answer it in a truthful way – Tom Lawrence will start against Hull.

“He could well have started in the previous two league games but, having won them both, it was fair to stick with the players that helped earn those wins.

“I said after the Sheffield United defeat I said that we will make changes and Tom was one player that we brought in to improve the side instantly.

“He was a key signing for us during the summer and he brings goals to the side, so we want to see him.”

He added: “What better way to see him than on Friday night at home against Hull?

“He will be desperate to get out there and impress following his international exploits with Wales. We will see if he can add something different to the team.”

Rowett says Lawrence will still need time to become accustomed to Derby’s style of play.

However, he is looking forward to seeing what he can do from the off against the Tigers under the Pride Park Stadium floodlights.

He said: “It’s a big game for Tom but we know that he isn’t going to go and score three goals in every game.

“We are going to have to learn how we play and build his confidence up.

“Myself and the fans, I am sure, will look forward to seeing him play.”