Derby County have been handed a significant boost ahead of their home clash with Rotherham United this weekend.

The Rams are eighth in the Championship and face relegation-threatened Rotherham United at Pride Park on Saturday looking to move back into the top-six.

Frank Lampard’s men are below the dotted line by just one point and have a game in hand over many of their rivals.

But they have been handed a massive boost before the weekend, with the news that Mason Mount is fit and available for selection.

Lampard revealed the positive news on Wednesday night at a fans’ forum reported via the Derby Telegraph (liveblog, March 27, 20:14).

When asked about the status of the on-loan Chelsea man, the Rams boss issued this response: “Mason [Mount] has been like a caged lion - he is desperate to play.”

The 20-year-old has missed the last ten matches through injury, with the Rams winning just three of the games he has had to sit out.

The verdict

It is a timely, yet significant boost for Derby ahead of their final nine games.

Mount has been a key component in the team this year, and their form has dipped in the past ten matches having not featured.

The news will hopefully galvanise the players and the fans ahead of what is a crucial contest for the Rams if they want to keep their play-off chances on track.