Let’s embrace replays, says Lampard

IT has become customary for managers to bemoan replays. Who needs an extra fixture when your team is in the hunt for promotion or trying to avoid relegation? Ralph Hasenhuttl certainly subscribes to that theory. Southampton’s focus is Premier League survival. Reaching the top flight is Derby’s primary objective. But Frank Lampard’s view on the FA Cup rematch to come at St Mary’s was refreshingly different. ‘It’s big, it’s great and we should embrace that,’ he said. ‘My players should all want to play at Premier League grounds. I like seeing the players challenged and I love the opportunity to do it. ‘Yes, we are fighting in the league and that’s the priority, to get in at least the top six. That will be tough. But we have to enjoy the ride of a cup run.’ Derby looked to be heading out after a Nathan Redmond brace — his first heavily assisted by a Richard Keogh deflection — but they equalised thanks to Jack Marriott’s volley and a scorcher by Tom Lawrence. Lampard will try to bring in players this month but must sell before buying or use the loan market. ‘People thought we did a lot of business in the summer but our net spend was negligible,’ he said. ‘The frustrating bit will be if, in some areas of the squad where we are really thin, we get injuries.’ One player not arriving is Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu. Lampard said: ‘He can play in a few positions, that’s why he would be so valuable, but the last I heard he was staying at Chelsea.’ Hasenhuttl was annoyed at his team giving up a two-goal lead, but is pleased at Redmond’s improvement. The winger’s cracking second goal was his fourth in five games. ‘He works very hard, that’s why he earns more goals and more assists,’ said Hasenhuttl. ‘He is coming into good shape, so he’s important for us.’