Paul Warne has hailed Dwight Gayle as ‘very impressive’ after his first goal for Derby County.
Dwight Gayle was a free agent only a few weeks ago, but a serious injury to James Collins escalated a move to Pride Park.
The striker had netted 62 goals in 145 appearances in the Championship, but an underwhelming spell with Stoke City saw his contract terminated last month.
Gayle had never played in League One before, but made the step down on a free transfer and made his second start for the club in yesterday’s clash with Port Vale.
The veteran was unable to prevent defeat to Charlton Athletic last time out, but this time doubled the Rams’ lead just before half-time with a brilliant header from Ebou Adams’ cross.
Gayle has now scored in each of the top four leagues in England, and has been showered with praise from his manager.
Speaking to the official club website, Paul Warne said: “I think he’s scored in every league now, which is very impressive. It was a great ball in and his movement was clever.
“You are only ever as good as your number one and number nine and if your number nine can get a goal off a cross, then it takes the pressure off and it was needed. I’m really pleased for Dwight, he looks a little bit sharper.”
Can Dwight Gayle fill Collins’ boots?
Dwight Gayle was thought to be the perfect replacement for the injured James Collins, and his performance against Port Vale has certainly backed that theory up.
Gayle only had one shot at Pride Park and made five passes but made his work count, which is vital in the club’s race for promotion.
The only issue with Gayle is that he is unlikely to last 90 minutes and will have to be rotated if Derby are playing midweek, though Paul Warne is used to managing these veteran players given that all James Collins, Martyn Waghorn and Conor Washington are also in their 30s.
The 34-year-old has a lot of experience and knows exactly where to be to score these important goals, while his two promotions can only benefit the Rams.
If the Midlands outfit can keep Gayle fit then their bid for Championship football should go undisturbed, while the eventual return of Collins will give them a huge boost in those final weeks.