Liam Lawrence earns Micky Mellon salute

The former Republic of Ireland international made a commanding return to Town's starting XI in the 4-1 win over Morecambe on Tuesday night.

The skipper, who has now shaken off a leg injury which saw him miss three games, put in a towering display to drive his team on to victory following defeat against Wycombe.

And Mellon feels that performance shows just how important his vastly experienced captain is to the team.

"When Liam plays like that we have got a great chance," Mellon said.

"He came into the side and was fantastic. He gave a real captain's performances and I think a lot of the other lads fed off that.

"It wasn't just the way he played on the ball, but the desire and mentality he showed kept us moving forward and kept everyone's standards very high.

"He came back fresh and ready for the fight.

"He is a very important player for us and when he plays like that is there a better player in the division?"

Mellon was also pleased with on-loan Derby youngster Rhys Sharpe who made his Football League debut in the win against The Shrimps.

The talented wing-back, who is a Northern Ireland under-21 international, was expected to retain his place for today's visit of Michael Appleton's Oxford.

"I thought Rhys was excellent, especially as it was his league debut," Mellon said.

"He showed some great composure and I think you could see has come from a great up bringing at Derby.

"He showed that fire and desire I'm demanding from all the players as well as great qualities on and off the ball."

Meanwhile, Mellon has admitted he was unsure which way he wanted the result to go when table-toppers Burton met promotion-chasing Southend on Wednesday.

Burton's win saw Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side move five points clear at the top of the table, but it also meant Town now have a four-point cushion over fourth-placed Bury.

"I don't think there could have been a bad result for us in that game," Mellon said. "It was one of those where you looked at it and thought no matter what we benefit in some way.

"We certainly have in terms of where Southend now are. But I can only control the controllables so I am more focused on the performance against Oxford."