Scotland fullback Jay McEveley is closing in on a return at Derby County after suffering a knee injury.

"I've used the time I've had when I couldn't run to get myself physically stronger," he told Derby's official website. "I worked very hard in the gym because this league is very tough and all the players are quick, big and strong and you have to be able to compete with them.

"So I looked at myself and decided I needed to get a bit stronger.

"Luckily I was also able to run in straight lines after a couple of weeks, so I used the treadmill to try to keep myself ticking over, but it's tough because it's not the same as playing games."

He added: "I know where this club is going and where the manager wants to take us and I believe he will get the squad together to do that and I want to be a part of it."