Derby County striker could be set for "remarkable return" after a month on the sidelines

Derby County have had injury problems at the striker position all season long.

The biggest blow was when 13-goal James Collins suffered a knee ligament injury against Exeter City in February.

It was suggested that the striker would be ruled out of the rest of the season, but he is set to make a remarkable return after a very quick recovery.

Collins' recovery was initially judged by doctors to take around 12 weeks minimum, but due to his excellent progress, it seems like it has only taken six.

The striker was back on grass annd in training last week and was seen warming up ono the pitch before Derby's 1-0 loss to Northampton Town at the weekend.

Paul Warne had revealed that Collins had told him that he felt ready to play in the huge second vs third clash against Bolton Wanderers 10 days ago.

However, the Rams boss and the medical team didn't feel that the 33 year-old was ready - the same as on Saturday against Northampton Town.

It is undecided yet as to whether Collins will be cleared to return on Friday at Pride Park against Blackpool.

Either way, it seems as though he will be back for the majority of the last six games of the season which could be a massive boost for Paul Warne's side as they look for automatic promotion.

Furthermore, with a recent injury to star winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Derby will need a proven goalscorer back in the side if they are to be successful.