Lampard hails Mount after Blues youngster impresses again

Frank Lampard pressed Mason Mount’s international claims after the on-loan Chelsea midfielder ran the show for Derby in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate in their 0-0 draw with Blackburn.

Mount hit the woodwork with a sumptuous free-kick and impressed again as the Rams failed to make the breakthrough against a dogged Rovers side.

Chelsea legend Lampard, who took over as Derby manager during the summer, was quick to praise the youngster’s quality and said he will be up to the task should Southgate come calling.

“Mason was fantastic, it is how he has been playing for us every game,” said Lampard. “His free-kick was top class and his general play was creative, and workrate and passing were excellent. There is more to come from him.

“I think Gareth would have been impressed. Talking about young English players playing week in, week out, Mason is doing incredibly well as is Jayden Bogle – his performance in the first half was incredible.

“Mason is a great example of the loan system. Chelsea have a got a great young talent and him coming here helps both them and us, and he can do anything he wants.

“That’s not to stay he will go in and be an England starter in their next game, as it’s Gareth Southgate’s choice, but whatever level you put him in, because of his quality, work ethic and mentality, he will do anything he wants to.”