The Rams have several players back in full training as they prepare to welcome Leeds United to the iPro Stadium.
Derby manager Steve McClaren during the press conference
Steve McClaren has been handed a major boost as he prepares for his second debut in the Derby County dugout with the news that up to five first-team players are in training and should be available for selection.
The Rams re-appointed the former England manager this week after parting company with Nigel Pearson, and the visit of Leeds represents an intriguing start to the latest McClaren era in the East Midlands.
According to the club’s official website, Craig Bryson, Will Hughes, Max Lowe, Marcus Olsson and Jason Shackell have all been taking part in training this week and could be set to feature this weekend.
The only two certain absentees for the hosts are George Thorne and Craig Forsyth, who remain sidelined with long-term leg and knee problems respectively.
Derby’s Will Hughes
Of the returning quintet, McClaren already knows all about the talents of Bryson and Hughes in midfield having worked with both during his first spell at the club, which ended in disappointment when the Rams failed to make the play-offs after a dreadful end to the 2014/15 season.
With a reputation hardly enhanced by a nightmare stint at Newcastle, McClaren’s return surprised fans and pundits alike. However, the experienced boss is familiar with the working environment at Derby and supporters will be hoping he rapidly inspires a change of fortunes in their flailing side.
Having been amongst the pre-season promotion favourites, Derby currently find themselves down in 20th after a dreadful start under Pearson. The Rams are still yet to win at home in the league this season, with their only success in front of their own fans so far coming in the League Cup against Grimsby in August.
Derby assistant manager Chris Powell
Chris Powell – who led Derby to a vital 2-0 win at Cardiff in Pearson’s absence – stays on as assistant manager as he and McClaren look to get County climbing the table.
One man who starred for the 55-year-old during his previous stint in charge is no longer present at the iPro, with Chris Martin – who netted 21 goals in all competitions during McClaren’s final season in charge – currently out on loan at Fulham.
Derby County’s Matej Vydra looks dejected
Finding the net has been an issue all season for County, who are the lowest scorers in the Championship this season with just six goals from their opening 11 games. A key test for McClaren will be whether he can get the best out of the misfiring but talented strikers he now has at his disposal, including Matej Vydra, Darren Bent and Nick Blackman.
Will McClaren inspire Derby to three points this weekend or will Leeds spoil his return? Leave your predictions below.
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