Town boss Joe Royle says underfire defender Richard Naylor will be recalled to his side for Saturday's home clash with Sheffield United. Naylor missed out at Derby due to a one-match ban having had a poor game against Gillingham.
Royle has been impressed with Naylor's overall contribution since he moved to his defensive role: "Richard has been a big bonus to us this season. He has adapted from a striker to become a key defender for us and he will be back in the starting line-up on Saturday.
"He has played well and been one of our successes, and Richard will play a key part as we go into a game that we must win.
"Two draws and a defeat over our last three matches has seen a bit of a gap open up, and it is vitally important that we do not let it stretch any further. This will be our biggest game since we took on West Ham at the end of August."