Lampard backs Mount to join exclusive Portsmouth club

Former Purbrook Park pupil Mason Mount is currently on loan at Derby County from ChelseaFormer Purbrook Park pupil Mason Mount is currently on loan at Derby County from Chelsea
Former Purbrook Park pupil Mason Mount is currently on loan at Derby County from Chelsea
It's an exclusive Portsmouth club with only six members '“ but Mason Mount is being tipped to become the next recipient of a much-sought-after welcome pack.

The 19-year-old former Purbrook Park pupil is currently on loan at Derby County from Chelsea, where his performances have been attracting much attention.

In 11 matches to date, the midfielder has scored five times and taken the Championship by storm '“ form that tempted England manager Gareth Southgate to Pride Park for the Rams' game against Blackburn last week.

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And on a night when Liverpool were at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, it was a decision the Three Lions boss won't have regretted after Mount produced another eye-catching display.

Tonight, the one-time Fratton Park junior will have another chance to showcase his talent when Derby travel to Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils' Old Trafford is one of the biggest platforms in football.

But Derby boss Frank Lampard has the belief Mount has the skill set to live up to his new-found star billing, regardless of his current Championship status.

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And the former England international insisted the midfielder is ready to represent the Three Lions on the world stage '“ if called upon by Southgate.

'˜Mason Mount can do anything he wants, he is that good,' said Lampard.

'˜That's not to stay he will go in and be an England starter in their next game, as it's Gareth's choice.

'˜But whatever level you put him in, because of his quality, work ethic and mentality '“ he wants to get better and better '“ he will do anything he wants to.

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'˜It's my decision to play him every week and it will be Gareth's decision, if and when, to pick him for the England team.'

Lampard added: '˜It never did Trevor Brooking any harm (playing in the Championship).

'˜I grew up watching West Ham win the FA Cup Final when they were in the old Second Division.

'˜Championship players should be in the England team, if they deserve it.

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'˜This is a competitive league and players as we know at the World Cup for England, most of them came through the Championship in one way shape or form.

'˜There is no reason why not, if you're playing at a high level. I'm sure Gareth and Steve Holland are not discounting anybody for any reasons.'

England return to action next month with a UEFA Nations League double-header against Croatia (October 12) and Spain (October 15), before hosting the USA in a friendly at Wembley on November 15.

Reg Flewin, Peter Harris, Ray Crawford, Steve Foster, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Ward-Prowse are the only Portsmouth-born players to represent the England at senior level.

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