Frustration for Derby County Striker as he misses Foxes clash

PAUL Dickov faces a frustrating wait for his next taste of Derby County action after impressing on his first start for the club.

The on-loan striker helped the Rams to a 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.

But he will be forced to sit out next Saturday's trip to Leicester City when Derby return to action following the international break as the Foxes – his parent club – will not allow him to play.

"It was good to go into the break with a win but you want another game straight away after a performance like that," said the former Scottish international.

"And I can't play in the next game, because Leicester won't let me play against them.

"So it's going to be a bit frustrating for me, having got my chance against Sheffield Wednesday.

"I'll end up having to wait more than two weeks for my next chance."

Dickov joined Derby from Leicester in August, on loan until January.

His chances at the Walkers Stadium were limited, with the likes of Matty Fryatt, Paul Gallagher, Steve Howard, Martyn Waghorn, Yann Kermorgant and DJ Campbell ahead of him in the pecking order.

He had to be patient after coming to Derby and made four substitute appearances before getting the nod against Wednesday.

"When I came into the club, I wanted to get as many minutes on the pitch as I could," he said.

"I spoke to Nigel Clough, who I know well from his playing days, and he said he couldn't guarantee me anything, which I wouldn't expect.

"But he said that if I got a chance and took it, there was a good chance I'd get more minutes than I was getting at Leicester.

"That's happened. I got a start and the team won. It's just a bit annoying I can't play the next game."

Dickov, who turns 37 next month, was signed primarily as cover but Derby's lengthy injury list has seen him move firmly into first-team contention.

And he hopes his performance against the Owls has done his chances of extending his stay at Pride Park beyond January no harm at all.

"Every time you play football, you want to make a point," he said.

"People always ask questions of you, especially when you get to my age.

"I still feel I've got a lot of football left in me and a lot of goals.

"I'm enthusiastic and I want to do my best, so I'll just keep going as long as I can.

"Initially, I was brought in as cover because of all the injuries and the size of the squad but, hopefully, I have given the manager something to think about now."