Derby County ended a poor run of form that saw them win just once in seven league games by emphatically beating Rotherham 6-1 on Saturday.

Whilst the Millers will feel the margin of victory was flattering, it will have given Frank Lampard’s side a real confidence boost as they prepare for the run-in.

And, one man who will have particularly benefitted is Martyn Waghorn after he bagged a hat-trick.

The former Ipswich striker hasn’t always convinced since he arrived for a pretty hefty fee in the summer from Portman Road but he has to be Lampard’s number nine moving forward now.

Even though he will be delighted for his teammate and the team, that’s not the news that Jack Marriott will want to hear.

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The 24-year-old hasn’t scored since early January and has been restricted to a role from the bench recently, and it will be that way moving forward.

Obviously, that doesn’t mean he can’t make a big contribution but he clearly needs to improve and he will be aware his chances are going to be limited.

Nevertheless, he has to prepare right because he is still likely to get brought on regularly and one decisive goal could change his fortunes completely.

All managers want competition for places as they believe it brings the best out of the players and that’s exactly what Lampard has at Derby up top.

The challenge for Marriott is to step up, like Waghorn did, and help the team when an opportunity comes his way in the coming weeks.