Derby County FC

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Jewell defends injured Sav

27 Feb 2008 - 12:08:15

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Derby County boss Paul Jewell is considering giving recent recruit Robbie Savage a break from first-team action as he bids to shake off a number of injury niggles.

The 33-year-old former Wales international has made seven appearances for the Rams to date, but has done so carrying a number of knocks, the latest a back problem.

Jewell told the Evening Telegraph: "Robbie seems to be carrying one injury after another.

"We have not seen the best of him by a long way and I think his performances are going to attract criticism, there is no way he has played well.

"He is very low on confidence. He is almost trying too hard and is not doing one thing or the other. He is playing with niggling injuries when maybe he shouldn't be.

"I think Robbie is trying to take too much on. He doesn't want to say he is injured and make it look like he is bailing out, I can see that.

"Maybe we will have to have a look at giving him a rest and getting him properly fit, but he will want to play.

"He will be an effective player for us, I have no doubt about that. At the moment, like a few other players, he is ineffective, but in his defence there are mitigating circumstances."