SIMON Dawkins and Jamie Ward have handed Derby County a timely boost at the business end of the season, says head coach Steve McClaren.
Both wide attackers are expected to be in the squad for tonight's game against Doncaster Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium (7.30pm) as the Rams look to cement their place in the Championship play-offs.
Ward returned to action as a substitute in the victory over Huddersfield Town last Saturday following a hamstring problem.Dawkins has recovered from a groin injury. He has trained this week and is available again after missing six games.
"To have the likes of Dawkins and Ward back is great news for us," said McClaren.
"They have contributed very well for us this season. It means we have two players back in to provide competition, so players are looking over their shoulders."
Ward and Dawkins join Johnny Russell, Patrick Bamford and Mason Bennett in the squad to increase McClaren's options in the wide areas to five.
"The squad is looking OK," added McClaren.
"We always talk about attitude and energy and in a long season, you can lose energy.
"If you lose energy, you lose attitude. At the present moment, we are keeping the energy and the attitude.
"The freshness of the squad is key.
"It is not about the first 11, it is also about the 11 to 23. It is about players in the squad and on the bench making an impact, making a difference."
Doncaster are chasing points to keep clear of the bottom three.
They are three points above the drop zone and have lost their last three games, against Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers and Ipswich Town.
McClaren is expecting a tough test for his team.
"Doncaster should not be down there, they are a good team," he said.
"They gave us a hard game at our place. They have got footballers, can play, and Billy Sharp up front can score goals.
"Games against teams fighting for points down there are always difficult."
