Parent clubs do not generally allow their loan players to compete against them but Chelsea have given Derby the green light after Lampard contacted the club. And the Blues hero, who won both the Champions League and Premier League while at Stamford Bridge, says it is a ‘classy move’ from his former club.
‘It’s very pleasing,’ Lampard said at his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Championship fixture against Middlesbrough. ‘I’m pleased for the lads themselves because young Chelsea lads, their dream is to play at Stamford Bridge.
‘Probably not for Derby but they’ve given us great service. We all respect they are Chelsea lads and their end-game is to play for the club.
‘I have to completely say thank you to Chelsea because it was their call, their decision. ‘I think they’ve seen the big picture. I’m very thankful, they didn’t have to do that and I think it’s a classy move from them.
’ Chelsea confirmed on Monday that both Mount and Tomori would be eligible to play for Derby. A statement from the Premier League club said:
‘Chelsea Football Club has today granted Derby County permission to select loanees Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori for next week’s Carabao Cup fourth-round fixture.
‘Unlike in the Premier League, EFL Cup rules allow for clubs in the competition to make such agreements for players to appear against their parent clubs.
‘Mount and Tomori have been regulars for the Rams under Frank Lampard this season, and, after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford in the previous round, we believe the experience of facing top-level opposition once more will be of benefit to their on-going development at Derby.’
Derby, who are currently fifth in the Championship, defeated Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.