Manager Frank Lampard praised his Derby County players who excelled on international duty recently.


Harry Wilson starred for Wales as hit a winning free kick against the Republic of Ireland in their 0-1 victory at the Aviva Stadium.

Richard Keogh captained his country, whilst Tom Lawrence played the full 90 minutes for Ryan Giggs’ Welsh outfit.

But it was Wilson who grabbed the headlines due to his set-piece exploits and Lampard praised the midfielder.

“Harry did well,” he told RamsTV. “He’s got a talent for free kicks and we know that first hand. I think our one at Manchester United was better but at the same time, to keep reproducing that quality is great.

“I thought Harry was good in his own performance in the second half. He was bright and sharp and that has to come into account.

“Harry does have more to offer, as does Mason Mount, because they are developing players but we know he has that special ability and that comes down to hard work that I know he puts in. Let’s hope he can keep doing.”

Another man away with his national side over the past two weeks has been midfielder Mason Mount. The 19-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad which drew with Croatia and beat Spain.

Whilst he did not make his debut for England, Lampard believes the midfielder will benefit hugely from the experience.

“He would have been disappointed not to play but he shouldn’t be,” he said. “It happens and is part of the process but he needs to bring that experience back now. He needs to show it on the pitch and show that he was worthy of being in that squad whether he played or not.

“He needs to continue the form that we know Mason can play at so it’s great. I hope he uses it in the right way and he will carry on from where he left off. He’s got a really good personality. There is a Mason on the pitch that I really like for obvious reasons but there is Mason behind the scenes that is driven, but also humble.

“He wants to do well, he’s not phased in a good way and hopefully he will use this to spur him on to better things. That will stand him in good stead because mentality at the top level, where I think Mason is destined for, is as important as the talent.”

All players are in contention to feature this weekend as Derby County take on Sheffield United at Pride Park Stadium (5.30pm kick off). To read the manager’s thoughts ahead of game, please click here.