Clough happy with latest Rams work-out

Derby County manager Nigel Clough took further encouragements out of his side`s 1 - 1 draw with Southend United on Monday night.

The Rams took the lead through a first-half Rob Hulse header before a controversial penalty denied Derby a second consecutive pre-season victory 60 minutes into the match.

Derby boss Clough told the club`s official website: "There were some good early signs for us to draw encouragement from.

"In patches, certainly in the first half, we produced some really good stuff. It was a step up from Saturday`s game at Burton, it was a bit more competitive and the opposition were a little bit sharper.

"I am sure it will be another step up on Wednesday at Bournemouth for us."

Derby fielded two sides for each half, just like the Burton game last Saturday, and with an injury to Russell Anderson the Rams ended with a relatively young side on the pitch.

Clough added: "We finished the game with an unfamiliar line-up with a number of youngsters out of position. In those circumstances it was good not to lose the game and it was a good workout for us."

Meanwhile the Rams have confirmed Anderson will sit out Wednesday`s match away at Bournemouth. The Scottish defender suffered concussion in last night`s game after sustaining a bang to his head.

He has been advised not to play any part against the Cherries and Derby`s medical staff will monitor his fitness over the next few days to decide when he can return to action.

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