Cresswell could get chance to impress
STRIKER Cameron Cresswell could get his chance to impress in Derby County’s Championship clash away to Stoke City today.
Derby’s leading scorer Colin Kazim-Richards is “very doubtful” for the visit to the fixture at the bet365 Stadium due to a hip injury.
Another of the Rams strikers, Lee Gregory, is ineligible to play against his parent club.
Cresswell trained with Derby’s squad for the first time on Thursday and the 21-year-old caught the eye by scoring a spectacular overhead kick.
“He (Cresswell) has done excellent in the under-23s of late, scoring goals and playing well,” said manager Wayne Rooney.
“What we have lacked of late is goals and I think he fully deserves to come in and train with us, and he gives me a different option if we need to use him on Saturday.
“He trained really well and scored a great overhead kick, which was great to see.”
Rooney himself scored a famous overhead kick for Manchester United against Manchester City. Was Cresswell’s better?
“No!” Rooney said. “But it was good to see him actually try that.”
Cresswell has progressed through the age groups at Derby’s Academy.
He has scored five goals in the last six U23 games, including the winner against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday night and a double in the recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea.
The likely absence of both KazimRichards and Gregory is a problem for Rooney but he does have options among his senior players.
“We have got players who can come in and play that position,” he said. “Martyn Waghorn was excellent in training. “We have options and I think people have seen I am not afraid to put players in and Cresswell has done excllent in the U23s of late, scoring goals.
“Another option is I could play Tom Lawrence or I could play no strikers. There are things we can do.”
■ Stoke City boss Michael O’Neill could keep faith with Adam Davies in goal against Derby.
Wales international Davies was recalled for a first start since October in the 0-0 draw away to Cardiff City on Tuesday, so Angus Gunn could again have to make do with a place on the bench.
Defender Danny Batth and midfielder Jordan Thompson also both came into the side, replacing Jack Clarke and Jacob Brown.
Midfielder Sam Clucas (hernia), James McClean (foot) and defender Morgan Fox (hamstring) all continue their rehabilitation, while forward Tyrese Campbell and Nathan Collins are long-term absentees.
What we have lacked of late is goals and I think he fully deserves to come in and train with us. Wayne Rooney