What Lars-Jørgen Salvesen said after Derby County's win v Hull has got Rams fans talking - 'what a great guy' | OneFootball

Following his late winner, the Norwegian striker hailed the man who's been keeping him benched, Carlton Morris, as an "inspiration."

Derby County striker Lars-Jørgen Salvesen’s selfless post-match interview after his Hull City heroics has left many Rams fans reacting positively.

Following his decisive goal in the 83rd minute that sealed Derby's 2-1 win at Pride Park on Tuesday evening, the Norwegian spoke candidly about what the moment meant to him but also paid tribute to Carlton Morris - the man who’s been keeping him on the bench.

In truth, Salvesen's strike to secure Derby's fourth successive league win represented far more than a late winner.

The 29-year-old signed for the Rams at the start of the year from Viking, a couple of weeks before Sondre Langås made the same switch, and he’s had a really tough time of it through no fault of his own.

He made just eight appearances, scoring once - and having another disallowed - before suffering a devastating knee injury during a training session in March which ruled him out for the remainder of 24/25.

Lars-Jørgen Salvesen claims Derby County teammate Carlton Morris is "a huge inspiration"

In his post-match interview, Salvesen stated that scoring his first goal at Pride Park was "a dream come true" and that it had been "hard to explain what it meant" to him given the challenges he’s obviously had to overcome.

Perhaps most revealing about Salvesen's character was his words on Carlton Morris, though. Rather than focusing solely on his winning goal, Salvesen took time to describe Morris as a "huge inspiration" both on and off the pitch.

"Carlton is doing so well," Salvesen said.

"I just have to say Carlton is a big inspiration for me. The way he works, the way he plays, the way he is on and off the pitch, huge inspiration," he added.

The former Luton Town striker now has five goals in his last three games thanks to Tuesday's powerful first-half header. Regardless of the form they're in, you could probably understand if any Championship strikers are a little bitter at being sat on the bench - but not Salvesen.

Yes, he's said he wants to play as many minutes as possible, like any striker would want, but the maturity he's shown has left Derby fans loving him even more.

Derby County fans laud Lars Jørgen-Salvesen after Hull City post-match interview

Salvesen's comments - and goal obviously - have proven hugely popular among Derby fans, with supporters taking to social media to express their admiration for both his character and his finish.

One fan simply posted "What a great guy," while another said the Nordic forward "embodies what it means to be a team player," - highlighting how his willingness to accept his current role demonstrates exactly the kind of mentality that supporters want to see at their club.​

Former Rams favourite Malcolm Christie also weighed in on the performance, while someone else said you "cannot help but be delighted" for the striker.

Ultimately, for Salvesen, this is merely the 'second' beginning of what everyone hopes will be a fulfilling spell in the East Midlands.

Supporters know that manager John Eustace has spoken endlessly about the 'Derby County family', and how every player will have their chance to prove themselves over a long 46-game season. Given Morris is one yellow card away from suspension, Salvesen might see himself starting a league game soon.