Davies back in the frame

Derby striker Steven Davies could return to first-team contention against Stoke in the FA Cup this weekend following another outing for the reserves.

Davies is on his way back from the skull fracture he suffered against Southampton in mid-October.

He played 76 minutes of a 4-1 defeat by Burton at Belper's Christchurch Meadow on Tuesday night, following on from the 90 minutes he played against Pinxton in the Derbyshire Senior Cup last week.

The 24-year-old could have played longer against Burton but there was a problem with his protective mask.

Davies could now be in the Rams squad for the fourth-round cup tie against the Potters at Pride Park on Saturday.