Derby County manager Frank Lampard has revealed that defender Ashley Cole is in contention to play against Leeds United on Wednesday night.

The former Chelsea star has been out of first-team action since the end of April, picking up a groin injury in the aftermath of their 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St. Andrew's.

The left-back has missed the Rams' last five games, including the 1-0 loss with Leeds United on Saturday afternoon, in the first-leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.

But speaking ahead of his side's trip to Elland Road in midweek, Lampard confirmed that Cole has been training this week, and is now "in contention" to feature against Marcelo Bielsa's side via reports from the Derby Telegraph.

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Scott Malone has been a regular for Derby at left-back in Cole's absence, but competition for places will be beneficial for Lampard's men going into their most important game of the campaign.

Derby will be looking to defy the odds and beat Leeds on their own turf on Wednesday night - Lampard's side lost 1-0 at the weekend, thanks to a strike from Kemar Roofe in the second-half.

The Verdict

This is a big boost for Derby, who will be looking to complete a fantastic turnaround on Wednesday.

Cole may not be the best of players anymore, but he has hardly put a foot wrong for Derby since he arrived at Pride Park, and will challenge Malone for that left-back spot.

The experience and knowhow he will provide to his teammates going into the second-leg will be beneficial, and could give Derby a massive advantage.