Healthy choices for Eustace as injury list eases

NICE DECISIONS FOR BOSS TO PONDER, INCLUDING WHAT TO DO WITH AGYEMANG

- By LEIGH CURTIS

NOW that Derby County's injury list has become much more manageable in terms of numbers, head coach John Eustace has been blessed with more options and greater tactical flexibility.

As he pointed out after the win against West Bromwich Albion, the team he named at the Hawthorns was completely different to the one which faced Stoke City on the opening day.

Only five players who started that 3-1 defeat at the Bet365 Stadium began the game last weekend and yet Derby's team can still get even stronger.

Owen Beck is closing in on his return from injury, with the on-loan Liverpool defender yet to make a League appearance, while Sondre Langas will not be far away either.

But the big question on everybody's lips heading into the game against Preston North End is what Derby's head coach does with Patrick Agyemang.

The forward's impressive 20-minute cameo against Albion, during which his flick on reached Andi Weimann, who then slotted in the winner, is only going to enhance calls for a greater role this weekend.

But in what was his first appearance back from a double hernia operation, his match fitness will not quite be at the required level after a couple of months on the sidelines.