Derby defender Dean Leacock hopes to put last season`s injury nightmare behind him and finally make an impression under Nigel Clough.

The 25-year-old last tasted first-team action under former manager Paul Jewell in November during a Carling Cup win at Brighton, where he suffered a problematic pelvic injury.

On his return to pre-season training on Wednesday Leacock told the club`s official website: "Hopefully the injury is behind me so if I can get a good pre-season I don`t see why I shouldn`t be pushing for a first-team place.

"We have some friendlies coming up so I will hope to be playing in them but I want to be pushing for a place on August 8 against Peterborough as that`s the big one.

"I haven`t really worked with Nigel (Clough) yet but I have confidence in my own ability and hopefully, if he gives me a chance in his side, I will justify him putting me in."