Frank: Curtis a ‘real leader’

CURTIS Davies’ return to action has been welcomed by Derby County boss Frank Lampard.

Davies played 70 minutes for the under-23s in their 1-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion U23s at Loughborough University Stadium on Monday night.

It was the 33-year-old defender’s first action since the opening game of the season at Reading on August 3. He had been out with a hamstring problem.

Lampard says Davies is a “huge” player for Derby on and off the pitch.

“In terms of Curtis Davies, it’s one: player and two: personality. And I think he’s huge on both,” said Lampard.

“He’s a fantastic player. We know that, with how he played for us last season and how his career has been and he’s great in the dressing room whether he’s injured, whether he’s coming back to fitness, whether he’s playing and skippering the side.

“Everything from Curtis Davies is positive and I love that.

“That’s a real leader and that’s a symbol for the rest of the squad, to follow someone like that.”

Richard Keogh and Fikayo Tomori have formed a pairing at centreback in Davies’ absence.

They have started together in the last 12 games in all competitions.

Seven of the matches have been won, including one on penalties against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup, and a dozen goals conceded.

Jacob Butterfield scored the winning goal for the under-23s against Brighton.

Butterfield, along with George Thorne and Ikechi Anya have not featured in first-team plans this season.

They have appeared for the under-23s, as has defender Alex Pearce.

Only three over-age outfield players can be fielded in under-23 games.

“I like players that want to play, whether it’s under-23s, first team, training, whatever,” said Lampard.

“We’ll make sure that it’s the hungry players who want to play those games.

“Whether you’re playing for the first team regular or on the bench for the first team, sometimes playing games is what you need to keep yourself going.

“Sometimes, under-23 football gives us that opportunity.”