Source: PA
Clough facing defensive crisis
Dean Leacock has added to Derby boss Nigel Clough's central defensive problems ahead of the visit of Middlesbrough.
The Rams romped to victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday but the 5-0 win came at a cost with the news that Leacock faces several weeks out after suffering a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old, who had played every minute of the current campaign, limped out of the Palace game midway through the second half and has now joined fellow centre-halves Russell Anderson (groin), Jake Buxton (stomach and groin), Miles Addison (foot) and Mitch Hanson (knee) on the sidelines.
With 17-year-old Mark O`Brien the only other recognised fit central defender at the club, John Brayford could be asked to continue in the middle of the back four. Brayford moved across from right-back to partner Shaun Barker after Leacock went off against Palace, while left-sided player Dean Moxey could fill in.
Meanwhile, England Under-19 striker Ryan Noble goes straight into the squad after arriving on a month`s loan from Sunderland and left-back Gareth Roberts is still struggling with a hamstring problem.
