Derby manager Frank Lampard has warned his players they can forget about Premier League promotion if they produce a repeat of their dismal first-half display in the FA Cup defeat at Brighton.

County, who are chasing a play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship, found themselves two goals down in Saturday’s fifth-round tie at the Amex Stadium following a below-par opening 45 minutes.

A late goal from former England defender Ashley Cole set up a tense finish but the Rams were unable to force extra-time as they lost 2-1.

Frank Lampard has issued a warning to his players following their dismal first-half display

Lampard laid into his team during the interval and, while he was pleased to see them improve in the second period, insists they must learn from the experience in order to successfully chase a top-six finish.

‘It’s the best lesson for the players in terms of what we have now, because we have 15 games in the league, all of them so important,’ said Lampard.

‘And if we perform as we did in the second half, we’ll have a real opportunity this year.

‘If we perform as we did in the first half, then we don’t really have that opportunity this year.

‘I was very clear in the (half-time) message. I told them in no uncertain terms. They’re not bad lads, it happens in football.

‘I had those performances myself as player, you don’t mean to have them but sometimes you walk into them.’

Lampard’s Derby lost 2-1 at Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon

First-half strikes from Anthony Knockaert and Jurgen Locadia put Brighton in the quarter-finals for the second successive season.

The Seagulls have been sucked into relegation danger following a six-game winless run in the Premier League.

Albion manager Chris Hughton hopes cup progression will have a positive impact on his team’s survival chances.

‘We hope that some of this momentum can take us through what has been a difficult time for us in the league,’ he said.

Chris Hughton hopes cup progression will have positive impact on Brighton’s survival chances

‘At this moment the most important thing for us, however we get them, is getting the points we need.’

Seagulls forward Locadia, who claimed what proved to be the winner, later limped off injured and was due for a scan on ankle problem.

With Florin Andone suspended, Hughton could be short of attacking options for the top-flight clash with Leicester on February 26.

‘It looks sore, I must admit,’ Hughton said of Locadia’s injury.

‘We hope he’s OK, I don’t want to jump the gun but, of course, we know that Florin will be missing the Leicester game, so it leaves us short in that area. That is a concern.’

Gianfranco Zola admits he is happy to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer making a ‘remarkable’ impact at Manchester United, despite it adversely affecting Chelsea.

United have overtaken the Blues in the race for Champions League qualification on the back of Solskjaer’s unbeaten Premier League record.

The two clubs meet in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening in a repeat of last season’s final.

Gianfranco Zola admits he is happy to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer making a ‘remarkable’ impact

Chelsea assistant boss Zola, who earned his coaching badges alongside Solskjaer, was full of praise for the Norwegian, in spite of their current rivalry and conflicting interests.

‘I am pleased, first of all. That is my first feeling,’ said Zola.

‘Ole and I did the course together, so I’m pleased to see him doing so well.

‘He was always interested and focused on what he was doing, and I’m pleased he’s showing his quality.

‘I knew United were going through not a very good moment before, but I knew the value of the team and that they’d come back.

‘What Ole has done in a short period of time has been quite remarkable.’

Chelsea assistant boss Zola (right) earned his coaching badges alongside Solskjaer (left)

Former United striker Solskjaer has collected 25 points from a possible 27 since replacing Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in December, while inconsistent Chelsea have picked up just 13 points during the same period.

The contrasting form has propelled United to fourth position in the top-flight, with Maurizio Sarri’s Blues a point and two places behind following last week’s 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City.

‘You can see they’re a team who, at the moment, are enjoying what they’re doing,’ continued Zola.

Solskjaer has collected 25 points from a possible 27 since replacing Jose Mourinho at the helm

‘They are committed, working with each other as a group. When you have these qualities and this attitude, the qualities they have, the results can only be good.

‘Strange because, you know, the only thing you can say is that they had a very good coach before.

‘Sometimes things don’t work out. But the value of the team wasn’t in doubt before, and it’s no surprise now they’re doing what they’re doing.’