Derby County forward Johnny Russell is excited to get back into first-team action after some time out with a hamstring injury.

Russell, 24, suffered a hamstring injury last month and has been out of action since that time, but he featured in an under-21 match last night.

The former Dundee United forward played 60 minutes in the Derby under-21 fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion, and looks set to feature in the first-team imminently.

However, the form of Derby County's on-loan stars Jesse Lingard and Tom Ince means that Russell will not just step back into the Rams starting eleven.

Speaking after the under-21 match last night, Russell said to the Derby County official site: “It was good to get back out there. I have been a bit frustrated being out of action but I can understand the precautions that we have been taking along the way.

“I have played 60 minutes tonight, so hopefully I have proved that I am fit and that I can be in contention for Saturday.

“It was important to get the minutes under my belt and I didn’t feel too tired at the end of it, which is a plus.

“When you come back, you usually feel a little off it, but I feel good, I feel ready to go and I am going to work hard over the next couple of days of training and get myself back in the matchday squad.”

Steve McClaren's Derby County currently sit top of the Sky Bet Championship, and are two points ahead of second placed Middlesbrough.

The Rams have accumulated 65 points from 33 league games thus far this season, and are looking on course to at least achieve a top six finish.