Saturday 16 February 2019 17:49, UK
Frank Lampard thinks it would be a "huge achievement" for Derby to make the FA Cup quarter-finals after a recent run of tough fixtures.
Derby who are six games unbeaten, winning four, are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1999 when they travel to Premier League side Brighton on Saturday night.
"I think it would be a big achievement for the players, for the staff, for the club because we've had some tough games," said Lampard.
"We are in this attritional Championship week after week which is tough.
"If we were to beat Brighton and get into the quarter finals then it's a huge achievement for the club and a big step."
Derby's new signing Efe Ambrose will not be available for Saturday's game due to match fitness, but is a week or two away from being in the squad.
The defender joined on a short-term deal but Lampard insists he's an influential factor to the squad.
"He brings competition at the centre-back area because we only had two recognised centre-backs with the injuries that we've had this season," he said.
"And he brings experience playing many games at Celtic, Hibernian, games internationally.
"So that maybe a hugely deciding factor in our season depending how we go because we know we have a tough run of games and a busy fixture list."
Lampard revealed his Chelsea connections have allowed his side to prepare at his former club's training ground in Cobham this week.
Ashley Cole made his first appearance in English football for five years as a late substitute in Derby's 2-0 win against Hull last weekend.
The defender holds the most FA Cup trophies, seven in total, and Lampard suggested he could play a part in the game at the Amex.
Lampard said: "Ashley's presence has already improved us off the pitch, in the dressing room, professionalism, personality and of course I want him on the pitch to a degree as well, that's the important thing. But I can't go against the fact of him not being fully fit to do so.
"His experience will be great, if he can play a part tomorrow, then of course whether it's FA Cup, Championship whatever he's going to be big for us. He's Ashley Cole."
