Derby County face Hartlepool United in the FA Cup on Saturday.
Paul Clement has confirmed that Jake Buxton will start for Derby County in their FA Cup match against Hartlepool United on Saturday.
Buxton is yet to make an appearance since Clement took charge at the iPro Stadium, as injury has kept the centre back out of the entirety of the season so far.
However, the powerful defender has now had a series of matches for the Rams’ development side, and Clement is keen to see him in first team action.
Clement: "Jake Buxton is back in the squad. He's had a tough time with an injury but he is in great shape and he'll be starting on Saturday"
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 7, 2016
Clement: "I'm looking forward to giving Jake an opportunity. I know he has been a big part of this team and is popular with the #dcfcfans"
— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) January 7, 2016
Buxton’s return to fitness, means that Clement is now stacked with options in the centre of this defence.
Jason Shackell and Richard Keogh have been the club’s first choice pairing in the heart of their defence, and they also have Alex Pearce waiting in reserve.
Buxton, therefore, faces a tough fight to win his place back in the side - especially as the Rams have been so solid this campaign.
Derby have conceded just 17 times in their first 25 Championship matches - giving them the second best defensive record in England’s second tier.
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