Short: Walker Took His Chance

Craig Short was thrilled with the quality that Lewis Walker displayed as he bagged four goals to help Derby County’s Under-23s to a stunning 7-2 victory against Birmingham City in the Premier League Cup.

The striker struck twice in each half as Darren Wassall’s side twice came from behind before running riot after half-time to record a thoroughly impressive win.

Walker has had to bide his time in recent weeks as more established names were given their chance in the No.9 role, but it’s fair to say that Short believes he took his opportunity on Monday night.

He told RamsTV: “Lewis started up front and I’m very pleased for him because he’s had to wait a long time for his chance.

“He’s been doing very well in training, he gets on with it and he took his goals really well.

“Before Christmas we played Liverpool here and he got two assists but he’s been looking for his goal, and in terms of his overall play, he’s very physical and he leads the line really well and he showed a lot of composure in front of goal.”

Birmingham took the lead after just five minutes at St George’s Park, before Walker struck an equaliser, but the visitors went back in front shortly after.

Short highlighted the improvement – especially after half-time – as Derby romped home to three points in Group A.

He said: “In the last few games we haven’t started very well, and we conceded after five minutes but it was quite a fortunate goal from their point of view.

“We were disappointed with the goals that we conceded, they looked very dangerous on the counter and at times it looked like a game of basketball.

“We were dominant and we closed down really well, we pressed a little bit higher but we created chances as well and, fortunately, we finished them off.”