Derby County manager Frank Lampard has issued high praise for Birmingham City boss Garry Monk, ahead of the two sides' meeting at St. Andrew's this weekend.

The 40-year-old has endured a turbulent season at the helm of the West Midlands club.

Monk's men had been in and amongst the play-off hunt for the vast majority of the campaign, but were hit with a nine-point deduction due to off-field financial problems which ended their hopes of a top six finish.

And speaking ahead of his side's clash with Monk's men this Friday, Lampard has praised Monk for the job he has done this season, given the huge problems off the pitch.

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Via the Derby Telegraph, he said: "He’s done a very good job. Outstanding.

“It’s obviously tough to get a points deduction. He’s not at fault for it but he’s had to take the can for it. They’ve got good players and a good manager, so it will be a tough game."

Derby will be looking to pick up from where they left off at the weekend after defeating Bolton Wanderers by four goals to nil at Pride Park.

Lampard's men are yet to pick up a league win away from home in 2019, with the club sitting two points off the play-offs with just four games left to play this term.

Birmingham would have been challenging for a play-off spot if they hadn't been hit with a deduction - Monk's side occupy 18th spot in the Sky Bet Championship table, six points clear of the relegation zone.

The Verdict

I fully agree with Lampard - I think Monk has to be given a lot of credit for the job he has done this season.

In any other situation, Blues will have been fighting for the play-offs right now, so it's a shame that their season has panned out the way it has.

If anything though, this will make them a much stronger unit going forward, and could bode them well for the future.

Thoughts? Let us know!