Clough happy to have Pearson back

Derby boss Nigel Clough admits he is looking forward to having Stephen Pearson available again after injury.

The 26-year-old midfielder has managed just seven appearances this season after undergoing surgery on a knee problem, but he made his comeback in the 0-0 draw with Barnsley on 21 March.

"It was lovely to get him back on the pitch," Clough told the Derby Telegraph. "He has had no reaction and the international break is ideal for him so he can do 10 days of good training and be in contention for the next match."

He added: "We have been looking forward to getting him on the pitch and involved.

"Stephen can offer us something a bit different. He showed when he came on against Barnsley that he can get up and down the pitch.

"He is very comfortable playing a variety of roles from central midfield."

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.