Bennett goal will boost confidence as well as help us, says midfielder
BEN Davies believes Mason Bennett's record-breaking FA Cup strike will be a big boost for Derby County as well as the player.
Bennett became the Rams' youngest-ever goalscorer, aged 16 years and 174 days, in last weekend's 5-0 third round victory over Tranmere Rovers.
The teenage striker already holds the record for Derby's youngest-ever player and is also thought to be the youngest scorer in the main draw of the FA Cup.
Bennett's goal ended a wait that went back to his debut at Middlesbrough in October 2011, though his chances have been limited since then.
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The former Shirebrook Academy pupil is tipped for a bright future and 31-year-old Davies, the man he replaced late on against Tranmere, agrees.
"He's been on fire in training for the past couple of weeks," said Davies.
"It was great to see him score and it will do him the world of good.
"When you see him come on, he looks like a 30-year-old man!
"I think they've banned him from doing weights because he's so big!
"You forget he's still only 16.
"It's great to see him coming through and full credit to the gaffer, because a lot of managers at other clubs I've been at don't give youngsters a chance.
"It's great to see him playing and great to see him scoring and it can only benefit the football club."
While Bennett is hoping to make the squad for Derby's trip to Brighton this weekend, Davies is hoping to keep his place in Nigel Clough's side after starting the last three matches.
The Rams have been unbeaten in those three fixtures and Davies has played his part – scoring the opener against Tranmere and having a hand in the next three goals.
"You never take anything for granted," said the former Notts County midfielder.
"I'll just work hard in training this week and, hopefully, the gaffer will pick me again."
Brighton are above Derby on goal difference in the Championship table and on a high after knocking Premier League Newcastle United out of the Cup.
"Brighton is a tough place to go and they had a great result against Newcastle," said Davies.
"It won't be easy but we seem to be getting our act together a bit away from home now.
"And we looked like we're going to score every time we go forward at the moment.
"We've scored three against Middlesbrough and five against Tranmere and that's reflected the way we're playing."
Before Derby's FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Blackburn Rovers at the end of the month, they entertain arch rivals Nottingham Forest.
"We've got a tough rest of January, with Brighton and Forest coming up," said Davies.
"But the good thing about playing teams around you in the table is that you have the chance to go above them if you beat them."
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