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.

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.