As one door closes another opens! The injury to Martin Albrechtsen is bad new for Derby but Paul Jewell has set Claude Davis the challenge of proving his worth in the side, as he will now deputise for the Dane.
‘Claude had a bad knee injury and came back against Southampton into a team lacking in confidence, and didn’t do particularly well.
‘I had a long chat with him last week and told him he has to do better and he agreed with me.
‘He is 6ft 3in, quick and strong. He has played in the Premier League for Sheffield United and Derby. He has got something that people like in centre-halves but, at times, his concentration has to be better.
‘Against Manchester City last season, the first thing he did in the game was pass the ball to Daniel Sturridge, who missed. The crowd gave Claude a bit of stick but after that, he was terrific. He headed and kicked everything and played on for about an hour, despite his knee.
‘He came off to a standing ovation – that’s the Claude Davis I want to see.
‘He probably needs somebody to whack him in the first minute to get him annoyed, because he is so laid back. It almost comes across that he doesn`t care but I know he does.
‘If he gets back to his competitive best, he’s got a chance of getting back in our team.’
Jewell was talking to the Evening Telegraph.
With Albrechtsen out for up to 7 or 8 matches and Dean Leacock also suspended for our next match against Plymouth (18th October) it is vitally important that Davis (Jamaica) and Lewin Nyatanga (Wales) come back from international duty injury free as they are looking likely to be the central defensive pairing. Both have quality, but both have the same problems at times, the lack of concentration, which can lead to sloppy errors and cheaply conceded goals.
Missing both Albrechtsen and Leacock, even if the latter is only for one match, isn’t ideal but we have to knuckle down and make the most of it, as do Davis and Nyatanga. This is their chance to shine!
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