Derby County manager Philip Cocu has provided a fitness update on Rams' striker Jack Marriott as pre-season draws to a close.

In an interview with the club's official website, the Dutchman revealed that out of those currently sidelined Marriott was the closest to linking-up with the first-team squad again.

“The closest one to returning from injury is probably Jack Marriott,” he said.

“He started participating in some parts of the training. He missed quite a few training sessions with the team so he needs a little bit more work but if all goes well, he will be the first who will join the squad.

“It’s important because he is somebody, especially in a game like today, make runs from the back of the defence and his finishing, we could use.”

Last season saw the 24-year-old feature sporadically under Frank Lampard as he failed to catch the eye of his boss.

But, despite being out of favour towards the end of the campaign, he still netted ten goals in 36 Championship appearances.

Three of which came in the Rams' play-off campaign, scoring twice against Leeds United at Elland Road to send them through to the final and a consolation strike against Aston Villa at Wembley.

The verdict

I am a firm believer that Lampard's bizarre aversion to Marriott ultimately cost Derby promotion via the play-offs last season.

The final against Villa was crying out for an energetic pacy presence up-front and by benching him, he handed the upper-hand to Dean Smith's side.

Hopefully, Philip Cocu will give him a much bigger chance to make his mark on the first team, because there is no doubt at all that he has the ability to to be a seriously good goalscorer in the second-tier.

They will need him to be as well. With Harry Wilson and Mason Mount returning to their parent clubs, those attacking threats already at the club will need to step-up.