Derby County manager Frank Lampard has heaped praise on David Nugent after the Englishman stood out during the club’s pre-season program. The 33-year-old has shown exceptional form since returning from the season-break and he contributed a goal and an assist during the recent 2-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Pride Park.

Speaking after the Wolves game, Lampard was full of praise for the former Leicester City man and was pleased that the veteran lead by example up front, he said: “David Nugent pre-season, wow! From the moment that we came in we have been amazed at his work rate in training every day, the smile on his face and his professionalism.He has been incredible in terms of running the line and every day in training he is the same.You almost want to tell him to slow down sometimes, because he will chase everything.You need somebody like that up there.”

Aside from Nugent, Lampard also spoke fondly about Mason Mount, who has been one of the club’s temporary signings from Chelsea this summer. Mount was exceptional for Vitesse Arnhem on loan towards the backend of the previous campaign and the teenager has since made an instant impression under Lampard after scoring the winner in the recent triumph over the Wolves.

Derby have certainly shown glimpses of their promotion potential over the years but they have not quite made the final cut with several playoff disappointments along the road. Nevertheless, there is plenty of optimism with an untested manager in the form of Lampard, who could utilise his playing experience to benefit the team in their top-flight hunt.

The Rams begin their Championship campaign with a Friday night game at Reading this month and the supporters will be hoping that Lampard can deliver the goods from the off. Aside from Mount, Derby have made three more signings in the form of Jack Marriott, Florian Jozefzoon and Harry Wilson with the latter arriving on a season-long loan from Liverpool.