Derby finally managed to grab a victory this weekend, boosting their hopes of a play-off place, but even in victory there appears to be controversy.

After the dismal defeat against Sunderland they needed to bounce back and, thanks to Tom Lawrence, they did just that, beating Preston 1-0.

Craig Ramage, once upon a time a Ram himself, is now working in local media and he wasn't impressed with the midfielder's celebration.

"I was disappointed with Tom Lawrence 's goal celebration after he scored the winner at Preston," he told the Derby Telegraph. "He raced behind the goal cupping his hands to his ears in front of the Derby fans. Was he questioning the criticism he has received at times this season?"

Lawrence was recently defended by manager Gary Rowett  after coming in for some criticism from home fans, but Ramage feels the celebration was out of place.

"Does he think the criticism has been unfair or unjust? If I was the manager, I would have pulled Tom to one side and had a word. There is no reason he should do that in front of the Derby fans. Yes, he is young and inexperienced, and he has come with a big price tag, but you do that to the away fans if they have been giving you some stick. I have fought Tom's corner in this column for many weeks, but I was getting impatient with him because I feel there is more to come from him. He won the game on Monday, but I don't think that celebration was the right thing to do."

Lawrence joined the Rams from Leicester City in the summer, after enjoying a fruitful loan spell with Ipswich Town in 2016/17.

The Verdict

I saw Lawrence in the flesh last season as he single-headedly saved Ipswich's blushes at Portman Road in the FA Cup third round.

He's a supreme talent and I'm surprised he's been on the receiving end of abuse at Pride Park.

I suppose the celebration could be condemned, but you know what? The players are only human and they react emotionally and honestly.