Derby County manager Frank Lampard claimed both he and his side will “embrace” the challenge of playing inside another Premier League ground when their FA Cup replay takes place against Southampton later this month.
Despite additional fixtures tending to cause managers added problems to their schedules, Lampard insists that a replay at St Mary’s Stadium will be welcomed by himself and his players.
He said: “I would have taken a 2-2 draw when we were two [goals] down and I think with the squad we’ve got here and the challenge of facing another Premier League team is something we should embrace, it’s great.
“We go to Leeds, which is a tough game, and then following that we face Southampton again which is also a challenge for the young squad I have.
“They should all want to play at Premier League clubs.”
In a long Sky Bet Championship season, factors such as cup replays may effect Derby’s chances of domestic success.
Lampard reflected on the difficulty of having a smaller squad and the troubles he is now facing.
“For these cup games, the two central defenders I cannot change because I simply don’t have the option of having other people to fill in”, admitted the Derby manager.
“But they’ve been really good for me despite playing every week.
“I fear we could become stretched in the second half of this season, but every manager I think fears that. Harry Wilson now has a slight muscle injury and Mason [Mount] has been flagging recently through tiredness and of course, I don’t have any options at centre-back.”
Cup competitions also hand out opportunities to fringe players who are looking to play first-team football. Max Bird, a youngster for Derby, warranted his second start for the club against the Saints, an occasion that Lampard simply could not ignore.
He added: “I love playing the young players.
“I thought long and hard about it because it’s a Premier League club and I didn’t want to give any ideas away that we’re not interested, but Max Bird deserves his chance.”
This season, Derby have been able to overcome Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup in September.
The Rams’ fans will look for a similar outcome when they head down south later this month.
By Sam Ward at Pride Park
