Phillip Cocu says Tom Lawrence’s return from suspension will be a boost for Derby County ahead of this weekend’s home fixture against Brentford.
Derby will face the Bees at Pride Park Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship’s lunchtime kick-off (12:30pm).
Lawrence has missed the Rams’ last three games due to suspension after he was shown a straight red card for violent at the end of the 2-1 home win over Reading last month.
With fellow forward Martyn Waghorn also suspended - with two games left to run on his three-match ban - and Jack Marriott injured, Lawrence’s return is a timely addition to Cocu’s attacking options.
“It’s important that he comes back because we don’t have a lot of options up front,” Cocu told RamsTV.
“When you miss two players, like we have with Tom and Martyn Waghorn, you have to find alternatives and some players don’t play in their natural positions.
“Tom has played almost every game in our squad, so he is an important part of the team and I’m happy he’s available again.”
Wales international forward Lawrence has been a key player under Cocu this season, scoring ten times in 37 appearances in all competitions.