Derby County have been upsetting the odds most weeks this season despite their off-field issues and one name that has been singled out for praise is Tom Lawrence, with Wayne Rooney telling the club's official website that he is a 'credit to himself.'

The Rams have been struggling financially and with the administrators now brought in at Pride Park and a points deduction leaving them stranded at the bottom of the division, it looked like a drop down to League One could be on the cards.

However, they have now lifted themselves off the bottom of the table thanks to some impressive performances and results - and there is every chance they could now even stay up.

The team in general has worked hard to achieve these performances but one player who has stood out is Tom Lawrence. With 14 goal contributions in just 27 league outings, he has been a real force for the side in attack and has helped them seal plenty of points.

Against Hull in midweek, he chipped in with both a goal and assist as the team strolled to a 3-1 win over the Tigers. He was arguably one of the best players on the pitch and it has been a frequent occurrence for the side this year. Now, Wayne Rooney has labelled his club captain as 'excellent' and has heaped the praise on the 28-year-old.

Speaking to the club's official website, the Derby boss said: "Tom has been excellent and he really has led by example on the pitch. I have known him for a long time, since he was a young lad at Manchester United, and I know how to get the best out of him.

"Tom is playing almost every minute of every game and he’s a credit to himself."

Lawrence has certainly put previous issues behind him and is now helping lead his side to potential safety in the Championship - and his boss is certainly happy with his showings so far.

The Verdict

Tom Lawrence has been a good option to have in the Championship for a while now but he has really stepped into the breach this year and produced some incredible showings.

With the odds stacked against both him and his club, many would crumble under the pressure and the struggle. However, the 28-year-old has done the complete opposite and has thrived instead. He really has been one of their most important players this campaign.

Having managed to hold onto him amid plenty of interest in the winter window, they have now given themselves the best possible chance to potentially beat the odds and stay in the Championship beyond this season. Lawrence has produced the goods on a regular basis and could certainly do a job higher up the league.

He may have the chance to with Derby if he carries on. If he the side can sort out their financial issues, find a new owner and tie the player down to a new deal, then they could really kick on together from next season beyond and start dreaming of an upwards trajectory again.