Law maker is tipped for the top RAMS TALENT TOM PEGS BACK SAINTS
DERBY 2 SOUTHAMPTON 2
TOM LAWRENCE rescued the Rams – and was then tipped for the top by boss Frank Lampard.
The Wales international dragged the Championship club back into this tie after it appeared that Nathan Redmond would hog the headlines.
The Saints man had forced Richard Keogh to put through his own goal – and then curled home a beauty from the edge of the area a few minutes into the second half.
But Lawrence, a £ 7million signing from neighbours Leicester 18 months ago, conjured up a shooting chance for Jack Marriott.
And then went on a run from deep before finding the net with a magnificent 25-yarder that beat visiting keeper Angus Gunn. Lampard said: “He has all the attributes to play at the top level. You see those moments and you want more of them.
“What I see in Tom every day is a work ethic. I don’t think that’s always evident.
“But when I put him in the team, I know he is pretty much going to give me everything. He can improve – for sure he can.
“He’s young and doing the right things. That will get him to that level because he has all the attributes.”
Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl accused his men of being too “comfortable” after Redmond’s strike against a young Derby side looked to have secured a fourth-round berth.
He said: “For 60 minutes we were comfortable. Then we were sloppy, losing the ball and our opponents scored two goals. Until that, it was a good performance. We were too sure we would win the game. We’ve had a good chance to go through and gave it away. We have to do it next time with more concentration and passion until the end.”
Saints were ahead within four minutes. Redmond fired a low angled shot goalwards and Keogh could only divert the ball into his own net.
Defender Jack Stephens somehow missed from a couple of yards as the half drew to a close, but it didn’t appear to matter as Redmond flighted home a beauty after the restart.
However, Lampard made a change, bringing on the experienced David Nugent and the Rams’ fortunes picked up.
Lawrence produced a delightful flick to set up Marriott to fire home his 10th goal of the season just before the hour. And then went on a mazy run moments later, producing an exquisite finish the equal of Redmond’s.