The Man In The Protective Mask

Jay McEveley, who was expected to be our for at least six weeks, could make a surprise return to the Derby side on Friday.

A fractured cheekbone is going to be protected by a special mask and this could see the Scottish international return for the televised match against Coventry City, who are themselves also sliding down the table.

"Jay has had a mask fitted. He doesn't look particularly good but he didn't before the mask!

He will join in training in the early part of this week but it will be a case of wrapping the squad in cotton wool."

Clough was talking to the Evening Telegraph.

The Rams were restricted to just 16 fit first-team players for Saturday's defeat at Ipswich, which included two teenagers among the five on the bench but McEveley's return would be a boost.

Rob Hulse, Dean Leacock (who both missed the 1-0 defeat) and Paul Green could all come back into contention as well.

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