Derby County's top scorer Chris Martin is in line to return after a 10-game injury absence in their Sky Bet Championship clash with fellow promotion chasers Watford on Good Friday, the club website has confirmed.

Chris Martin is a target for a number of top-flight clubs
Chris Martin is set for a return

The 26-year-old Scotland international has been sidelined since early February with a hamstring problem and could be back in the matchday squad when the Hornets visit the iPro Stadium tomorrow.

After resuming training at the start of the week, Martin is now itching to get back onto the pitch over the Easter period.

"I hope to be involved in the squad over the Easter weekend, that's the aim. In what capacity remains to be seen, that's down to the head coach but I'm ready to help the lads again," the former Norwich frontman told the club's official website.

Martin, who has netted 16 goals in 30 Championship appearances so far this season, has been sitting in the stands since being withdrawn early into Derby's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth last month and was expected to be out for around three weeks.

He added: "It has been a bit of strange injury to be perfectly honest; the hamstring problem was in a delicate area close to the tendon at the back of my knee.

"I had the re-injury not long after picking up the initial problem at Bournemouth and we’ve had a bit of trouble with it in terms of fluid build-up and different things, which aren’t very common.

"I've had to deal with the things that have been thrown at me, as have the medical team, but I’m back now and I can’t wait to get on the pitch again."
Martin - who has made five appearances for his country since making his debut in May 2014 - has been a key part of Derby's promotion push this term and also struck 25 league goals last season on their way to the Championship play-off final.

Rams boss Steve McClaren also confirmed at his press conference that midfielders Jeff Hendrick and George Thorne will also be available to face second-placed Watford.

Derby are currently fifth with seven league games remaining - six points behind leaders Bournemouth and just one ahead of seventh-placed Brentford.