Loan star still waiting to see if he gets Cup go-ahead

MASON Mount says he is still in the dark about his chances of playing in Derby County’s Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Chelsea.

The Rams have been drawn against Mount’s parent club in the last 16 of the competition at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, October 31 (7.45pm). Mount is on a season-long loan at Derby from Chelsea, as is defender Fiakyo Tomori.

Carabao Cup rules allow loan players to play against their parent club - if said club gives permission.

Lampard has asked Chelsea if they would grant permission for Mount and Tomori to feature in the tie. However, the Evening Standard has reported that the London outfit is set to reject that request.

“It is not down to me, it is not my decision,” said Mount.

“To be fair, I haven’t thought too much about it because of the (England) call-up and I don’t know what is happening.”

When Lampard was asked about it last week, he said: “It is their (Chelsea’s) decision, which I respect. For their careers, it will be great development (to play at Stamford Bridge) but from the Chelsea side, they want to win the game, just as we do.

“It does have a different edge to it that they are Chelsea players, so there is a long-term view for Chelsea because they gain an experience on platforms like they did against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which is good for everybody.

“So we will see. I will respect their decision no matter what.”