Is Dean Smith right in his prediction about Lampard’s Derby County?

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Frank Lampard’s Derby County are a point ahead of Dean Smith’s Brentford side in the current Championship table.

Frank Lampard is just 12 games into his managerial career but, no matter what he goes on to achieve in the dugout, Tuesday’s glorious night at the Theatre of Dreams will remain long in the memory.

Lampard’s Derby County looked to have missed out on a famous win away at Manchester United in the third round of the EFL Cup as Marouane Fellaini powered home a stoppage-time header, cancelling out Jack Marriott’s first Derby goal to take the game to penalties.

But Derby kept their nerve from the spot and, thanks to a Phil Jones miss, sparked delirious scenes among the visiting support.

Lampard is already gaining a reputation as one of the most promising young managers in the country, and Brentford boss Dean Smith is one of many who has been impressed by his high-flying Rams.

“(Lampard) has been on a good run, he’s got some really good players,” Smith told Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast on talkSPORT (26 September, 9:00am).

“They’ve recruited well and blended in some of the younger players as well. They’ll be a force to be reckoned with this season for sure.”

Smith witnessed Derby’s qualities first-hand on Saturday, as his Brentford side were swept aside at Pride Park. After taking the lead inside a minute, goals from Harry Wilson, David Nugent and Mason Mount sealed an impressive comeback win for the East Midland side.

But is Smith right? Are Derby really a force to be reckoned with?

Recent signs certainly back up Smith’s point. Derby have arguably the two best young talents in the Football League in their ranks in Wilson and Mount, loanees from Liverpool and Chelsea who have the quality to change a game with a moment of Premier League quality.

In David Nugent, Tom Huddlestone, Curtis Davies and Scott Carson, the Rams boast huge Championship experience and a number of players with promotions on their CV. And, perhaps most ominously for Derby’s league rivals, the likes of Martyn Waghorn, Florian Josefzoon, Jack Marriott, Jayden Bogle and co are only going to get better in the next few months.

Derby County: Championship winners? Don’t bet against it.