Rams begin South West tour at Yeovil

Rams begin South West tour at Yeovil

The Rams head into three games in five day`s as they travel to the South West to continue their build up to the first Championship game against Peterborough United on August 8th at Pride Park.

First up tonight the Rams visit Huish Park to take on league one side Yeovil Town (7.45pm). Nigel Clough has left three key players out of the 20-man squad for the tour, Rob Hulse, Kris Commons and Dean Leacock are not ready to play matches due to niggling strains, but Paul Green is fit enough to travel after his injury scare.

The former Doncaster Rovers midfielder limped out of Saturday`s defeat by Chesterfield amid fears he had damaged his right foot, the same one he broke at the end of last season, Clough was happy with the diagnosis.

“It was a concern when we saw him hobble off but it is a different injury altogether,” said manager Nigel Clough.
‘He jarred his ankle but it has improved a lot. We would not take him if we did not think he had a chance of playing this week,” Clough added.

Another player to travel is Chris Porter; the former Motherwell striker missed the Chesterfield game due to a knock he picked up in training late last week.

“Chris was left out as a precaution – we will not be taking any chances with any of the players – but if he is OK, he will play against Yeovil tonight,” Clough said.

Leacock felt some discomfort in his groin a few days after playing against Burton Albion and so he sat out the Chesterfield fixture.

The centre-back is easing his way back to full fitness after being out for eight months with a groin and pelvic problem.
“Dean will not travel down south with us. The medical people feel he will be better staying here and doing some leg work and stamina work with a view to playing in one of the friendlies next week,” Clough said.

‘It is precautionary with Dean. We are just taking our time with him, It is more important he gets fully fit than fit quickly.

Hulse (groin strain) and Commons (tight hamstring), will also stay in Derby and train and Clough hopes to get them back in the side soon.
‘We hope to get them on the pitch sometime next week. We have games against Matlock, Burton and Alfreton coming up, and those sorts of games will be ideal for them two to come back in,” Clough said.

“The injuries break up the pattern of what we are trying to do but hopefully they are only short-term injuries.

“It is not ideal but as long as they get on the pitch and get some football in the next two and a half weeks then they will be in contention for the opening game against Peterborough,” Clough added.

Yeovil are likely to use the game to cast an eye over their trialists George O’Callaghan, striker/winger Kevin Gall and strike pair Dean Bowditch and Hamdi Razak and could include one or two new ones amongst their ranks.

Their need for a goalkeeper is desperate with Josh Wagenaar – the only recognised first team goalkeeper on Yeovil’s books – having departed Huish Park. Former Weymouth, Hartlepool and Coventry ‘keeper Aaron Lee-Barrett has also left following a brief trial, while former Manchester City`s custodian Richard Martin is likely to play some part with the club extending his trial spell.

Newly-appointed club captain Scott Murray is hoping to make his first appearance for the Somerset side in Rams clash.

Murray was new Glover`s manager Terry Skiverton’s choice for the role, while new signing Stefan Stam will be team captain. Both players are expected to feature against the Rams and if Murray does play, it will be his first run-out in a green and white shirt having recovered from a minor niggle.

‘It’ll be a tough game,’ Murray said. ‘Nigel Clough (Derby manager) has got most of his own players in now and it should make for a good game. Also, it’s the first game of the new season at home so I can’t wait.

‘They’re a great bunch of lads down here and I’m really enjoying being here. It’s only an hour down the motorway from home which is great and I can’t wait to get started properly.’

The match kicks-off at 7.45pm and admission will be £10 for adults, £5 for senior citizens and young adults aged between 16 and 21, while under-16s can gain entry for just £1.

After the Yeovil game, the Rams face League two Torquay United at Plainmoor on Thursday and League one Exeter City at St James` Park on Saturday.