Frank Lampard reacts after Derby County’s FA Cup triumph over Southampton

Derby County manager Frank Lampard has praised the mentality of his players after the team came from 2-0 down against Southampton to progress to the fourth round of the FA Cup. The Rams had found themselves trailing by two goals in the 70th minute of the replay but they managed to level the scores with Harry Wilson and Martyn Waghorn before eventually winning the penalty shootout.

Speaking after the game, Lampard was pleased with the comeback where the team showed the perseverance despite trailing during the backend of the game, he said: “It takes a lot to come back against Premier League opposition and show that fight. They made me proud. At 2-0 down it was easy to give up and they didn't. I've got a really good dressing room with great characters. They wanted to play, to run when fatigue kicks in and we thoroughly deserved to win the game.”

With the victory, Derby have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup where they are scheduled to face Accrington Stanley on the road. Unlike Southampton, Stanley don’t possess the qualities upfront to threaten the Rams and based on the team strength, the visitors should have a relatively comfortable game, barring Lampard fielding a weakened side.

Meanwhile, “Derby are currently clinging onto the final playoff position ahead of the chasing pack after going winless for the past two league games“. Despite this, they have a strong chance of returning to winning ways this weekend against Reading, who have bagged “the sole triumph on“ the road this term.

In the past two league matches, the Rams have struggled with just one goal on the scoresheet but the statistic should change during the forthcoming weekend with Harry Wilson returning to first-team duty. The Welshman has missed the past few matches with a hip problem but he should return for the Reading game after securing a goal and an assist during his comeback against the Saints.