Dickov may be handed longer Rams loan

NIGEL Clough says striker Paul Dickov is playing his way to a possible extended stay at Derby County.

Dickov once again received a standing ovation when he was substituted 13 minutes from the end of Saturday's 2-1 victory over Reading at Pride Park Stadium.

The 37-year-old Scot, who is on loan from Leicester City, has helped the Rams to three of their six wins this season.

His loan is up in January but Clough said Dickov had given him food for thought.

"He certainly has," said Clough. "You don't let players like Paul go easily.

"Around the place he is good, whether he is starting matches or on the bench.

"He is a good trainer and his contribution on the pitch has been very good.

"It might just depend on who is here and who is not here in January when it comes to strikers."

Dickov's impressive performances have surprised most of the supporters and they have been quick to applaud his contribution.

He set up both goals for Rob Hulse in the home victory over Coventry earlier this month and had a big hand in Paul Green's equaliser against Reading.

Dickov told the Derby Telegraph recently that he would jump at the chance to stay longer.

He was left out of the defeat at Swansea but earned a recall for the Reading game despite Derby bringing in pacy front man DJ Campbell, also on loan from Leicester.

"Paul deserved to start and he was very good indeed," said Clough.

"He gave a very mature performance, made the first goal for us and was the reason why DJ did not get on.

"But it was nice just to have another striker on the bench in case.

"Having a strong bench was as important as anything.

"Being able to bring Miles Addison on, Dean Moxey on, and Jake Livermore as a makeshift right-back makes a huge difference."

Clough said he had words with Dickov and Hulse at half-time about holding the ball up better.

"We were having a go at them a little bit because we didn't think they held the ball up for us in the first half," added Clough.

"Every time they did, we created a chance or looked as though we would create one.

"They did it better in the second half. Both goals came from doing that. We look a different team once we get hold of the ball up front."