Knight back and other injury issues have eased
DERBY County manager Wayne Rooney has confirmed that Jason Knight will be back available for selection against Birmingham City tomorrow.
The Rams return to Championship action away to the Blues (8pm).
Knight has been absent since sustaining a training injury during preseason, so this would be his first competitive outing of the season, should he take to the field.
The Rams manager suggested that Knight could make the bench.
“Yeah, they’re all back with us,” said Rooney at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
He meant that with the exception of Kamil Jozwiak, who will not return from Poland in time.
But, otherwise, things are easing for the squad Rooney has at his disposal.
“Ravel Morrison’s back with us, Lee Buchanan’s back, Louie Watson’s back, Louie Sibley’s back and trained today (Wednesday) with us,” said Rooney.
“Tom Lawrence is fine, Sam Baldock is back training, Jason Knight is back training, so the squad’s actually looking a little bit better with more players in.
“I’m delighted Jason’s back training with us and, hopefully, available.
“Obviously he’s been out for a while, He’ll be on the bench and, if I need to use him, then he’s a great option for me to bring on.”
The presence of the 20-year-old as a substitute will no doubt be a boost both on and off the pitch.
Knight featured in 43 out of 46 Championship matches last season for Rooney’s side, scoring two goals, including one against Friday’s opponents Birmingham the last time the Rams were at St Andrew’s, when they ran out 4-0 winners.