Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Derby County boss Frank Lampard and his assistant Jody Morris after they reached the Championship play-off final.

A 4-2 victory on the night at Elland Road was enough to see the Rams through to face Aston Villa for a place in the Premier League and Ferdinand piled on the praise the morning after.

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Taking to Twitter, he wrote alongside a photo of the pair celebrating: "What a game.. what a result for these two!!! @morriskid & Lamps ????????????"

Stuart Dallas looked to have put the tie beyond doubt when he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Derby box but a goal from substitute Jack Marriott with his first touch after coming on dragged them back into contention on the stroke of half-time.

Mason Mount then levelled the tie just seconds after the restart before Harry Wilson edged the Rams in front for the first time from the spot after Liam Cooper had needlessly fouled Mason Bennett.

Leeds came back soon after, however, and Dallas levelled the tie with a brilliant second but four minutes from time Marriott etched his name into Derby folk-law when he chipped in the winning goal to spark jubilant scenes in the away end.

The verdict

It is no surprise to see so many ex-pros delighted for Lampard.

He has done a brilliant job at Derby and is now just one match away from being promoted to the Premier League in his first season as a coach.