Ebou is still leading the way when it comes to the manager's mantra - even without the armband

RAMS MIDFIELDER'S POST-MATCH 'TEAM' TALK A FINE EXAMPLE OF SELFLESSNESS IN SIDE AFTER HE STEPS UP OFF BENCH TO HELP SEAL A FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN

- By BRIAN DICK

WHEN the influential - but painfully luckless - David Ozoh pulled up lame just eight minutes into Derby County's clash with Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, Ebou Adams knew his time had come.

The midfielder, who has not started any of the last three matches since returning from suspension, came off the bench to play his part in what turned out to be a nervy John Eustace derby.

Unfussily he took his place as the Rams defended a corner then seconds later was part of the move that saw Carlton Morris power a back-post header over the bar.

Adams would go on to play well, win more tackles than anyone on the pitch and alongside Morris conduct a post-match interview that reflected on a fifth successive victory and a sequence of results that have lifted Derby into the top ten.