England U21s striker Patrick Bamford draws praise from boss

England Under-21s striker Pat Bamford proved to be Derby County’s match-winner on Tuesday night, leaving his boss Steve McClaren looking on in admiration from the sidelines.

Bamford, currently on loan at the iPro Stadium from Chelsea, netted a late goal at Hillsborough as Derby beat Sheffield Wednesday to continue their promotion charge in the Championship.

And Bamford’s spectacular left-footer was the moment of quality that the game needed, according to McClaren.

"We have got players who can produce quality, there wasn't enough on the night but as the game went on it opened up and you can't calculate for a goal like that," said the former England boss.

"It was sheer quality and class to win what was a scrappy game.

"We nearly took him [Bamford] off, but you watch him training and he struggles to hit the big net and hits a lot of cars!

"I thought 'here were go again' but this time he kept it down and it was a thunderbolt."

After winning caps for England at U18 and U19 level previously, Bamford made his Under-21s debut in the win over San Marino last November.

The former Nottingham Forest youngster was on loan with MK Dons at the time, but having now made the step up to Championship level he could be set for another call-up from Gareth Southgate for next month’s game with Wales, ironically being held in Derby.

Bamford celebrates a goal for the U19s in 2012

And McClaren believes the 20-year-old can be a vital asset to any team he plays in at the moment.

"He scores important goals, they're not just any goals," he said.

"We're just delighted we have got him and we are very surprised how well he has done.

"He can frustrate you and sometimes flits in and out of games, but he is a match-winner and that's what he was tonight."

You can buy tickets for the game with Wales at the iPro Stadium now. Tickets for the game will go on sale from 9am on Tuesday 3 December 2013, priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s. 

These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.