Paul Clement described George Thorne's performance as "outstanding" after the midfielder led Derby County to a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City.
Second-half goals from Thorne and Andreas Weimann fired the Rams up to fourth, with just two points separating them from Championship leaders Hull City.
After being disrupted by injuries earlier in the campaign, Clement believes that Thorne is now showing the quality he possesses on a regular basis.
"I thought George Thorne was outstanding. He scored the goal but his overall performance was of a very high level," the Derby boss told reporters.
"When he signed for this club within two or three days of him joining he had the injury and then when he came back he had other associated problems from being out for such a long period.
"But he's been working very hard with his physical condition and we are reaping the rewards of having him fit and playing regularly."
Derby have won seven of their last nine games to boost their promotion bid.
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