Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Foreign clubs wanted me... but joining West Ham was a no-brainer
DERBY new boy Mason Mount had boss Frank Lampard purring after a promising start to his Derby career.
The 19-year-old (below) joined the Championship side on loan from Chelsea last week.
And, along with fellow new boy Harry Wilson – on loan from Liverpool – and two-goal Tom Lawrence, he played a key role in a comfortable win over Premier League Southampton.
“I know Mason well,” said Lampard. “I don’t want to heap anything on him, it’s up to him. He showed it in the Chelsea youth team, which is obviously a level – he was outstanding there. He went to Vitesse
Arnhem last year – and was outstanding there. “What Mason brings is real energy, real quality and he just wants to do well and improve as a player. He’ll be very good for us, I hope.”
Saints are a couple of weeks behind Derby in their preparations and it showed as Lawrence scored two welltaken second-half goals.
The Rams bagged their third when Alex McCarthy could only parry an effort from Florian Jozefzoon and Luke Thomas slotted home.
Saints boss Mark Hughes said:
“At times, we weren’t bright enough, we need to get the sharper elements of our players up to speed.
“We’ll probably have to sell if we’re to bring anyone in.” WILFRIED ZAHA shrugged off speculation about his future by helping Crystal Palace to victory at Oxford.
The winger has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, but produced a stunning goal as the Eagles beat Oxford 3-1.
Zaha picked up the ball on the right before unleashing a rasping shot that flew into the net.
Demarai Gray and Islam
Slimani were on target as Leicester won 4-1 at Notts
County.
Lewis Grabban helped Nottingham Forest come from behind to draw 2-2 at Oldham, while Aston Villa – who are now under new ownership – won 4-1 at Burton Albion.