Derby County manager Frank Lampard says striker Jack Marriott must 'push himself every day' to get back into the team.
The striker has been left out of the squad for the last two matches and has not started a game for Derby since the 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic last month.
The 24-year-old started the season in good form for the Rams after joining from League One club Peterborough United.
The forward scored nine goals in 15 starts earlier in the campaign, but is now without a goal in his last eleven matches.
Lampard wants to see the striker push himself in training for him to earn his way back into the side.
"We need Jack Marriott. We saw earlier in the season what he can do. He gives us a threat behind," said Lampard, as quoted by the Derby Telegraph.
"He has to push himself every day, push himself when he comes on to make a difference, as does every player - it's not just Jack - to get in the team.
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"That's what we're trying to do here. People from the outside might look and go: 'Why are you doing that? Why are you doing that?' It's my way to work - that you have to push daily, mentally, physically and when you come on the pitch to make a difference."
Marriott has scored ten goals in 36 appearances for Derby in all competitions this season and scored in both EFL Cup games against Manchester United and Chelsea earlier in the campaign.
He scored 27 goals for Peterborough in League One last season, winning the golden boot and his impressive performances for the Posh caught the attention of Frank Lampard.
Derby are currently eighth in the Championship table, three points outside of the play-off places, with six matches to play.
The Rams' play-off hopes suffered a blow when they were beaten 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park and Lampard's side will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
The Verdict
Marriott started the season in impressive form for Derby and has scored some important goals for the team this season.
He will be low on confidence at the moment, after a run of eleven matches without scoring, but this latest message from Lampard could provide him with the motivation he needs to force his way back into the side.
Thoughts? Let us know!