Gary Rowett has praised the role Jacob Butterfield played in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, reports the club’s official website.

Butterfield was utilised as a lone deep-lying midfielder, with Rowett opting to give Bradley Johnson and Craig Bryson more attacking freedom in a 4-3-3 formation.

Both Johnson and Bryson found themselves on the scoresheet for the Rams, but Rowett was quick to praise Butterfield for his role in shielding the defence, he said: “I thought Jacob Butterfield was excellent in the holding role and the midfielders did well.

“We were going to play Will Hughes in that position before he picked up an injury, but I actually toyed with it beforehand. I felt as though Jacob might be better suited to that role because of his range of passing.

“I thought he was as good as any of our players. Left foot or right foot, he will take the ball in any position.”

Saturday’s success ended a run of three fixtures without a victory for Rowett’s side, who are set to finish in the top-half of the Sky Bet Championship table.

The Rams are currently ninth in the table, but can still finish the season in eighth, should they record a victory over Rotherham United next weekend and Norwich City fail to pick-up three-points against QPR.

Derby fans… Were you impressed by Butterfield’s performance against Wolves? Let us know in the comments!