Stand-in Ben Davies could do the job again
NIGEL Clough will have no hesitation in naming Ben Davies as stand-in right-back against the Championship's top scorers Watford on Saturday.
Clough says the 31-year-old midfielder typifies the spirit running through the Rams camp.
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Ben Davies came on as a substitute for Kieron Freeman against Bolton Wanderers.
Davies, whose first-team chances this season have been limited, came off the bench after 29 minutes of Tuesday's draw against Bolton Wanderers when Kieron Freeman limped off with a damaged ankle.
Freeman now faces three to four weeks out and Derby are hoping central defender Jake Buxton will train tomorrow with a view to playing at Watford, which would allow John Brayford to revert from centre-back to his usual right-back role.
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If Buxton fails to shake off his knee problem, Davies is in line to continue as an emergency right back against third-placed Watford, who have lost only one of their last eight League matches.
With centre-backs James O'Connor, Mark O'Brien and Shaun Barker out, Clough says much will depend on Buxton's availability.
"If it is down to desire to get out on the pitch, Jake will be there. We have got him pencilled in to train on Friday," said Clough.
"If Jake doesn't make it, we will have no hesitation keeping Ben at right-back.
"I thought he was great there against Bolton. He played a few games for Notts in that position, no problem, and we nearly played him there against Wolves on Saturday.
"That would have meant moving Kieron Freeman over to left-back and not giving Michael Hoganson an opportunity but we thought we would put players in their proper positions.
"Ben just typifies the group. He comes in, out of position, tries his socks off and plays well.
"He is a great professional. He is ready to come on at any minute, whether it is the first minute or the last minute, and do a job for us.
"He has been brilliant to have around in the past two years.
"At £150,000, we think we have had our money's worth from him!"
Of the other injured centre backs, O'Connor (knee) has got a chance of being fit for the Crystal Palace game and O'Brien (knee) is two weeks into his four-week recuperation.
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by ibelieveido
Friday, February 22 2013, 11:28AM
“And,somebody asked what red arrows are about.
Well i said...........
It probably means your posts are hot+++hot+++ HOT.
Sizzle Sizzle Sizzle.
Thats me ALL OVER.”
by ibelieveido
Friday, February 22 2013, 11:25AM
“How right you are Sad-tad.
Keogh IS better ,as is Sammon re-Davies.
Agree totally....for once.”
by Tadley-Rams
Thursday, February 21 2013, 8:54PM
“Derwentx - agree with your point, no point getting a player in if he not better than what we already have.
Keogh in for Shackell!!!!
Sammon in for Davies !!!!!!
The next 5 games look very tough, starting with Watford away, can't wait, we may surprise them..........”
by ramification
Thursday, February 21 2013, 7:29PM
“Jim Smith Agree with every word youve posted weve seen in this division so many times 9 points are nothing they can dissapear inside 2 weeks and before you know it your in the bottom 6 and panic starts Not sure weve got the right the right charactures to cope with a fight I wonder when i keep seeing people saying were not going up or down if they actually go to games As for loans forget it weve heard every excuse under the sun as to why we cant get anybody funny how Leicester have managed to Harry Kane in today from Spurs Nigels latest excuse is he does not want anybody who might upset the rest of the squad”
by Bough
Thursday, February 21 2013, 6:54PM
“....derwent...excellent posts as usual! The last two home games, whilst disappointing we didn't win at least one of them, were IMO, an interesting measure of the 'team spirit' within the squad, despite the injury issues, recent dip in form, losing a goal against Bolton et al...I thought the players stuck to their tasks fairly well, recent seasons would have seen us lose both those games!....there is no doubt that as a club we have been guilty of wasting so much money on 'loans' at this time of year in previous seasons and the current thinking, partly driven by financial constraints, of trying to cover from within the squad should be commended! Whilst frustrating at times we too as supporters during the game could be collectively a little more vocal...rather than waiting for the team to always 'click' like they have done often at home this season! My only disappointment thus far remains the form of Sammon, didn't expect him to score many goals but his 'strength' is hold up play and bring others into the game, if he can improve that we stand a much better chance of getting in behind teams and doing some damage! A big test Saturday...lets hope for a positive approach rather than 'planning' for the chasing some expect us to get (currently working in Hertfordshire so listening with interest)..........!”
by retiredgrumpy
Thursday, February 21 2013, 3:10PM
“How many points to NOT be relegated ? 50 is the norm, so 6 more points required, if they cannot manage that they deserve to be playing in the lower division, which might include Burton Albion !”
by Jim Smith Is God
Thursday, February 21 2013, 2:10PM
“Am i the only derby fan who feels that after another very average season again, we could be heading for another battle to stay in this league !! I know that looking at our position at the moment we look well safe, but !! the next five fixtures look like Nil points coming our way, and with the likes of barnsley & peterboro's form picking up, and ours not looking so hot, the 9 point gap we have at the moment will soon be gone. And clough having put all our summer transfer money into a striker that doesnt score goals, a midfield & defence full of young lads who all look like they are running on empty, and a pile of injuries all at once, things are looking a bit worrying. Leicester will be looking forward to getting there season back on track with another 4-0 ****ing of us, and on telly to great !!! Please please mr clough actually go through with the threat of a couple of loan players - and not from average united in the scottish 3rd Div !!!!”
by ibelieveido
Thursday, February 21 2013, 2:06PM
“Not taken him long to get a lenghthy ban again either LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.”
by derwentx
Thursday, February 21 2013, 1:41PM
“Oh no, the return of Derbyshiregaz. Obviously the asylum has let him out on an unsupervised trip and he has found an internet cafe.”
by JohnZFish
Thursday, February 21 2013, 12:42PM
“I still can't see why Naylor is out of favour as he did well last season -the Cwyka effect in operation I think?
when Gjokaj was on loan at Carlisle -he wasnt making the side which i think says something.
Nevertheless I dont favour squandering money on loans unless they are permanent signings who will actually get in the team, as we have i think little chance of play offs or relegation.”