Scott Parker paid tribute to Aaron Ramsey after the midfielder’s first goal for almost two-and-a-half years helped Burnley to a 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Derby.
Ramsey opened the scoring with a composed fourth-minute finish in only his second appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in a Premier League game against Arsenal in February 2024.
The 22-year-old was among 11 changes as the Clarets sealed their place in round three with a stoppage-time winner from defender Oliver Sonne.
Head coach Parker said: “I’m really pleased for Aaron.
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“It’s been a really long road back for him from his injury. He took his goal so well and I thought his overall performance tonight was very good.
“It’s good to get some minutes into his legs and that was the same for a lot of the boys tonight who needed it as well. We started the game well with a lovely goal from Aaron and we probed well without creating too many chances against a very good Derby side.
“It’s pleasing to be able to make so many changes and still come away with the win. We’ve given players around the fringes an opportunity to come in and get valuable game time.
“The lads really applied themselves well and the key is that we’re through to the next round as we grow into the season. We’re still looking to strengthen in certain areas before the window closes.”
Former England youth midfielder Ramsey opened the scoring as he found the net for the first time since scoring for Middlesbrough in a 5-1 win over Norwich in April 2023.
Derby levelled in the 35th minute through on-loan RB Salzburg midfielder Bobby Clark, who produced a calm finish from Callum Elder’s driven cross.
Burnley’s France Under-21s midfielder Loum Tchaouna struck a post in the second half and the tie looked destined for penalties until Denmark-born Peru international Sonne secured a dramatic victory after being set up by substitute Mike Tresor.
Derby head coach John Eustace said: “We’re getting better but the fact is that we’ve lost the game. It was a lack of concentration for both goals and we could have done better with them both. The way we conceded was disappointing and the first goal should have been stopped at source really.
“After conceding that first goal I thought we grew into the game. We’ll keep working on the training field because our football was excellent at times and overall it was a great performance from us.
“We’ve worked really hard to bring in a lot of good players over the summer and it would be great to get two or three more in to help the group because you can see that we’re light in certain areas.
“If we don’t manage that, we’ve still got a really honest group of players with a fantastic attitude so that’s all I can ask.”