3/1 To Win
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson admitted it was a dream come true to make his professional debut for Derby County last week.
The winger, who has progressed through the club’s successful Academy system, made his first-team bow last week in the goalless draw against Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship at Pride Park Stadium.
He replaced Tom Lawrence on 83 minutes and made a positive impact from the bench. He kept it simple, had some neat touches and made some driving runs.
He won a free kick in the final minutes of the game which Harry Wilson smashed against the crossbar.
Mitchell-Lawson is the third player to be given his league debut by manager Frank Lampard, along with Jayden Bogle and Max Bird, and it was a moment he cherished.
“Everyone dreams of making their debut, especially in a home game in front of a great bunch of fans,” he told RamsTV.
“I couldn’t believe it and when I came on. I wasn’t shy, I made an impact and I wanted the ball and that’s what you’ve got to do when you’re a youngster.
“You’ve got to come on and show everyone what you have got and that’s what I did. It was an unbelievable feeling really.
“I was a little bit nervous but once I was on the pitch, I didn’t think anything about it and I just tried to do what I normally do and be positive.
“Everyone was proud, my family were really proud and the messages were unbelievable. Everyone was so positive and it was such a great day for me.”
It was quickly back down to earth for the 20-year-old as he was in action for the Under-23s on Sunday at Pride Park.
However, he capped off his fairy-tale week by scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 victory in the Premier League Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Summing up his week, he revealed how much support he has received.
“From the Under-23s and even to the Under-18s coaches, and the first team staff, they have all been unbelievable with me,” he said.
“Darren Wassall, Pat Lyons and Craig Short just keep pushing me and pushing me and giving me advice.
“They said to be the best you can and make an influence in training and that’s what I’ve been doing. After making my debut, I just want more and more of it now so I need to push on.
“My teammates have been unbelievable. They have shown so much love and support and even the Under-18s have done the same.
“Everyone at the training ground is one big community and everyone is together. If anyone made their debut, everyone would be like that with everyone so it was great.”
