Let's be Frank '“ Wigan Athletic ace Lee Evans aiming to learn from Lampard!

Lampard is enjoying his first season in management, with the Rams in the play-off picture and among the favourites for promotion.

Having been one of the best midfielders of his generation, Lampard was someone Evans looked up to during his formative years.

And there’s one particular area of his game that Wigan’s Welsh wonder is aiming to replicate.

“Frank was a top player, who provided 15 goals minimum every single season,” Evans told the Wigan Post.

“That’s certainly an area of my game I’d like to improve, chipping in with a few more goals.

“And he’s a fine example of someone who did that consistently, both for club and country.

“He was a fantastic player and it’s looking like he could turn out to be a fantastic manager.”

Lampard has already had an impact at Derby, who turned to him this summer after several near-misses in their goal of a Premier League return.

“You look at the Derby side and they’re full of great players,” Evans enthused.

“Frank’s come in, he’s got his own way of playing, and it seems to be working for them.

“It’s going to be a tough game but one we’re all looking forward to.”

Having lost only once at the DW all season – to high-flying Leeds – Latics won’t be in awe of their opponents.

They go into the game having picked up five points from their last three games, which could have been more had they not been held to a 1-1 draw at Bolton last time out.

“With the pace we had up front we were always a threat, especially in the latter stages at Bolton,” Evans acknowledged.

“Josh (Windass) looked lively throughout, Nathan (Byrne) and Cal (McManaman) on the wings gave us width and creativity.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t to be but we move on.”

Evans has settled back into the engine room alongside skipper Sam Morsy, after being dropped from the side following a dip in form.

The mix of Morsy’s tough-tackling and Evans’ array of passing offers the perfect partnership...just make sure the Egyptian doesn’t hear that description.

“Don’t tell him that...he thinks he’s the silky player!” laughed Evans.

“Seriously, we have developed a very good partnership, going back to last season.

“I had to go halfway through the year but it’s good to be back and it’s going well.

“We like player alongside each other, we know each other’s game.

“We both want to get on the ball and pass it on, we don’t mind getting stuck in, and hopefully we can keep the partnership going.”