GRINCH PERFECT

Lamps: Christmas time is for WORK not play

FRANK LAMPARD has warned his players they need to be “bang on it” over Christmas if they are to keep their promotion hopes on track.

Derby start the festive fixtures in fifth place with a mouthwatering trip to Bramall Lane today to face Sheffield United, one point and one place behind them.

They then have another tough trip to second-placed Norwich on Saturday before welcoming fourth-placed Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day.

Full points would see Lampard’s side in excellent position going into the second half of the season but three defeats could deal them a crippling blow, so the manager is demanding focus from his players. He said: “I was always in for training on Christmas Day as a player. It probably isn’t a bad thing to get out of the house for a little while, with all the presents and mess!

“We have to have our focus because we have a big game to prepare for and this is when the professionalism of the players comes into play.

“I’ve already told the lads it is about being professional. It’s the busy period of the season and you’re surrounded by people relaxing and enjoying themselves.

“We have to be bang on it, especially with the quality of opposition we’re up against.”

Lampard does not remember a Christmas without football, first through his dad at West Ham and then in his own playing career at Chelsea. He said: “I like the Christmas period and I grew up with it, both watching it and then playing in it for 20-odd years.

“I love the games around this time of year. It doesn’t stop you being with your family, either.”

Blades’ No.2 Alan Knill knows that Derby will be “a real tough one.” But he added: “They’re all big games. We have a great bunch of players and our point at Ipswich keeps us in the pack. The challenge is to stay there.”

NEW Reading manager Jose Gomes faces a baptism of fire at Millwall this afternoon.The 48-year-old, replacement for Paul Clement, is already talking about leading the Royals back to the Premier League.But his team are currently much closer to League One, making the clash a huge six-pointer. Gomes (above) was also handed a warning by outgoing caretakerboss Scott Marshall about what he can expect today. Marshall said: “It’s straight into the Lions’ den. It will be a bit of an eye-opener and a huge game for Jose.” NO REST FOR THE RAMS Lampard is working his players hard over the festive period in a bid to win vital points