Kris Commons and Jake Buxton will look to put themselves in contention for Derby's Championship clash at midlands rivals Leicester by turning out for the Rams' reserve-team.

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The two players are expected to return to action after injury when the second string host Port Vale at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena on Wednesday.

Forward Commons has missed the last three matches with a hamstring problem, while Buxton is on his way back after a hernia operation. The defender's last appearance was in the defeat to Nottingham Forest at the end of August.

Derby boss Nigel Clough admits the reserve game provides him with a dilemma given the club's lengthy injury list.

"There are three or four players who will probably need a game but we have to balance that against them taking any knocks or getting injured, but we still have to play them," he told the Evening Telegraph.

Commons's return could be a timely boost with County short of fully-fit strikers to face Leicester. James Vaughan, Steve Davies and Chris Porter are injured while Paul Dickov is unavailable because he is on loan from the Foxes.