Derby County set for "huge boost" with John Eustace able to unleash "genuine threat" | OneFootball

Football League World's Rams Fan Pundit has weighed in on Corey Blackett-Taylor's return to training.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

There are just four games left in the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and for Derby County, there is everything still to play for.

The Rams are just one point above the relegation zone heading into a crucial clash against 23rd-place Luton Town on Friday afternoon, knowing that victory would see them carry a six-point advantage over the Hatters into the final three matches of the season.

John Eustace has turned his side's fortunes around since arriving at Pride Park in February, and despite a slow start which saw the East Midlands outfit lose the first three games of their head coach's tenure, they have now lost just one of their last seven.

Pride Park has become a safe haven once again, with Derby not conceding a goal there since Makhtar Gueye pulled one back for Blackburn Rovers on March 8 in the 40th minute in a 2-1 win for the home side.

With excitement and pressure building, Eustace revealed on Tuesday that one of his injured aces could return to the fold sooner rather than later.

Verdict made on Corey Blackett-Taylor's impending return

The 45-year-old told BBC Radio Derby's Dominic Dietrich ahead of the Luton clash that Corey Blackett-Taylor is now back in training and could find his way into the squad in the coming weeks.

The winger was ruled out for an extensive period of time after suffering a hamstring injury in the Rams' defeat to Cardiff City in January while Paul Warne was in the dugout.

Football League World has asked their Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, if he is excited by the potential return of the 27-year-old to the team ahead of the final weeks of the season.

He told FLW: "I don't want to get my hopes up because Corey Blackett-Taylor’s been very inconsistent with his form and fitness since he's been at Derby, but if we could get him back for the last two or three games, then it would be a huge boost to the squad.

"He would give us a genuine threat in behind as he is someone who can actually beat a man. He’s very similar to Kane Wilson down the other side, so it would actually give us width and pace and the ability to get in behind teams down both flanks, which is something we haven't had all season."

Shaun continued: "So, if he is fit or even if he's just fit enough to come off the bench for 20 minutes, it's a huge boost to us because against tired legs as well, he'll be a great asset to have.

"But I'm not holding my breath. However, it would be excellent to have him back for the last two or three games."

Eustace needs as many bodies as possible for the run-in

With time running out for those below the Rams to rescue themselves from relegation, Eustace knows how important it will be for his team to hold their nerve in the final four matches.

He will need as many players as possible to be available in his Derby side, with Ben Osborn also returning to training alongside Blackett-Taylor, a player who could provide a decent amount of experience if he does feature.

A victory on Friday would give the Rams a strong advantage over those below them for the last three matches, and with a trip to West Bromwich Albion on Easter Monday - a club who they have already beaten this season - they have the opportunity to secure their survival early.