Double striker boost for Rams
STRIKERS Chris Porter and Steve Davies have handed Derby County a double boost.
Both have returned to action after lengthy spells out injured.
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RETURN: Derby County striker Chris Porter.
Porter came on as a substitute for the last 20 minutes of the Rams' goalless draw at Preston North End on Tuesday night and played 66 minutes in the Reserves' 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion at the Impact Arena, Alfreton, yesterday.
It was the striker's first competitive action since early March, having been sidelined with a hip problem that required surgery.
Davies played the first half for the Reserves.
He has not started a first-team game since damaging an ankle against Plymouth Argyle in August and has recently had hamstring trouble.
Porter, who turns 26 on Saturday, arrived in January in a £400,000 deal from Motherwell. He was Nigel Clough's first signing as Derby manager.
"It was great to get on at Preston. I loved it," he said.
"Even though it was only for 20 minutes, I was just glad to be back.
"I don't feel too bad considering I have been out for so long.
"It's a case of getting match fitness now and getting sharp again. I just need games and training now, as much as I can get.
"Then, hopefully, I can get back into the first team and keep my place."
As well as Porter and Davies, defender Jake Buxton and midfielder Ben Pringle also returned to action.
"It was good to get three or four back," said manager Nigel Clough, who came on as a substitute for the final 10 minutes.
Clough added: "Chris Porter played almost 90 minutes over the two days.
"Steve Davies tightened up towards the end of the first half but, for half an hour or so, he was magnificent and showed again the quality he has.
"We will look to ease him back. He played left-back so it was not as much of a strain on him.
"If we are short, we will get him on the bench, similar to what we have done with Chris Porter in the last two matches."
Clough was pleased with the performance of former Newcastle United central midfielder Mark Doninger, who played as a trialist against West Brom.
The 20-year-old currently plays for Blyth Spartans of Blue Square North.
"He did well and we will have another look at him in the New Year," said Clough. "He plays for Blyth so if we can get to see him, we will do but he did enough for us to have another look."
Doninger was released by Newcastle at the end of last season.
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by Red 'un, City Ground
Thursday, December 10 2009, 3:26PM
“Oh, jealous ones... you all seem quite upbeat after a lucky draw at on the slide PNE. Calm youselves I am sure normal service will be resumed at Watford.
Now then jealous ones just remember the clock is ticking as the famous team are coming to the meccano stadium on 30 January. U gonna get whacked on your own pitch. Tick tock tick tock. Billy Davies' red and white army. Flee now coz Forest are coming.Thank you for your time and attention oh jealous, envious ones. tick tock. ha ha ha ha ha. We are Nottingham Forest and you're not. get over it and accept it though it hurts you so much ! ha ha ha ha”
by WB - Strike a light John......, SE
Thursday, December 10 2009, 3:15PM
“John Miles for... the history of football is littered with successful players with a record of initially failing at one or even occasionally two clubs. Furthermore there is nothing wrong with looking at players operating low down the leagues. John Robson played for Blaydon Juniors and I nearly got to play against them! You have lost your spirit - understandably - but please use your undoubted quality brain to see the player spotting situation - the market - as it is and always has been.”
by nostroramus, half full glass
Thursday, December 10 2009, 3:10PM
“Building on my recent accurate predictions! (Only the number of goals has been wrong!)
Watford 2 Rams 3
Better times ahead boys!”
by Crosbytheparrot, selling assests
Thursday, December 10 2009, 3:02PM
“Forget Miles being injured Clough doesnt even talk to him he is off in January for £2m”
by Spondon Ram, Spondon
Thursday, December 10 2009, 2:41PM
“Thing is, there must be some reason Rob Hulse hasn't settled at any club yet.”
by Slick Glick, Derby
Thursday, December 10 2009, 1:19PM
“Hey there "Fan in the Sky". While DCFC Conglomerate of Timberwolf Soccer Rams inc agrees with your statement, I must point out that as you are hovering above Pride Park Soccer Stadium your opinion is of no significance as you are not a paying consumer. Only paying customers may have a voice in the new golden age of The Derby Soccer team fiscal prudence. Once you have parted with you £££ and benefited from one of our many meal deals or curry nights, we will allow you to freely express your opinion. Be good to yourself. Slick”
by Moot, Derby
Thursday, December 10 2009, 1:04PM
“Sorry Fan in the Sky I haven't got time to chill out. I'm busy plotting new revenue streams for our once great club.”
by Moot, Derby
Thursday, December 10 2009, 12:56PM
“Good point Gismo. Derby should also include a clause stating that if you turn up for the game injured or unfit, Clough reserves the right to still play you no matter how much you protest. And if your injury worsens because of Clough playing you it's not his fault its just bad luck.
Wayne I hope your wrong. If thats true Cough's got a lot of explaining to do.”
by TARTANCOUNTY, Derby
Thursday, December 10 2009, 12:51PM
“Realistically its going to have to be Jay Mc and Connors centre halves, stoor rb and the terrible Moxey lb. Only way to defend is to attack so I expect nothing less than 2 up front again”
by Fan in the sky, Hovering above Pride Park
Thursday, December 10 2009, 12:50PM
“Same old same old........whatever it is you have a problem with it isnt Nc or DCFC now is it.
DCFC has no money for players and is likely to sell in january and bring in some less well known players who will work hard and may be slightly younger than the ones we have now.
What did you expect this season to be about really ?
Promotion....Get Real
Buying prem players....With what ?
Relegation.....Not going to happen nomatter hopw half empty you lot look at the glass.
Reality is sell players get in some new younger players and build for 2 years time and then maybe push then for a top 8 place.....
wake up and just chill out for a while.
Merry Xmas anyway.”