COMEBACK... BUT NEWS IS STILL BLUE FOR LAMPS

Relief for Frank who fears Chelsea will KO Ampadu loan switch

mind. Another important youngster Harry Wilson, on loan from Liverpool, was out injured.

Lampard (left with Richard Keogh) said: “We’ve got a big squad in certain areas, but in others we haven’t.

“Ethan Ampadu can play in a few positions – that’s why he would be so valuable to anybody. The last

I heard he was staying at

Chelsea, and that’s that.

Mason is staying for now and

Harry, I think, is staying here

– but it’s obviously Liverpool’s call and we accept that.

“I was aware of the finances here. We’re not in the same league as some teams that have spent a lot.

“It would be frustrating if we fell away later this season.

“All I heard before the season was about Stoke, Villa, Nottingham Forest and Leeds. We are above most of them, so we have to take heart from that.”

Derby slumped to a 2-0 deficit after two strikes from in-form Nathan Redmond (above) – including one stunner. Lampard’s men fought back when Jack Marriott volleyed in, then Tom Lawrence equalised with a brilliant, 22yard swerving strike.

The home side should have won it at the death but Marriott fired over. Derby’s man of the match Duane Holmes said: “We always go right to the end. Any other day, Jack scores that.”

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl showed his faith in youth, carrying on the club’s traditions.

Debutant Callum Slattery played 90 minutes while Marcus Barnes came off the bench for his first appearance.

Midfielder Slattery admitted he had nerves before the game – but is ready to overcome them quickly – and was not surprised to see Redmond shine.

The 19-year-old said: “Nathan does that in training. He is a different type of player to me in a different position, but he gives you advice, keeps you grounded and keeps you on your toes.”