3/1 To Win
Phillip Cocu was thrilled to see on-loan defender Matt Clarke make an impressive return to the Derby County fold against Charlton Athletic on Monday evening.
The 23-year-old centre-back was restored straight to the starting line-up for the 2-1 win against the Addicks after almost two months out of action with a knee injury.
Clarke, who joined the Rams on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, produced a solid display at the heart of the defence alongside Curtis Davies.
Prior to being injured in the local derby encounter against Nottingham Forest in November, Clarke had made 13 appearances in all competitions this season.
After resuming training, ahead of schedule, last month his excellent progress saw him make a timely return to the fold for the festive period.
Cocu was keen to praise the centre-back for his work ethic to return to full fitness as soon as possible.
The Derby boss told the media: “Matt played a good game on Monday. He is another example of a player who, during his rehabilitation, works so hard and pushes himself to the limit every day.
“If he has to go in the pool, he goes in the poll. If he has to go on the bike, he goes on the bike. If he has to run, he runs.
“He trained for maybe nine days and ended up playing 90 minutes on Monday, but that’s down to the effort and work he’s put in before that.”
Cocu added: “Matt will need a few games to feel more comfortable on the ball but physically and defensively, he did great.”
Clarke is in line to keep his place in the Derby backline for Thursday’s home fixture against Barnsley at Pride Park Stadium, as the Rams look to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season (7:45pm kick-off).
