SIMON Dawkins gave Derby County boss Steve McClaren something to think about ahead of the play-offs with a goal against Leeds United.
Dawkins was handed his first start since mid-March at Elland Road as McClaren made six changes for the final match of the regular Championship campaign.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man took only six minutes to make his mark, bundling the ball into the net after Jeff Hendrick had been denied by keeper Jack Butland – his fourth goal of the season.
Dawkins, who has been working his way back from a groin problem, played 78 minutes of the 1-1 draw before being replaced by Mason Bennett.
"It's been a while since I've played close to a full game so it was great to get that," said the 26-year-old forward.
"It's good to be back on the scoresheet and in and around the action again.
"I've missed a lot of football this year, so it's good to get 60 or 70 minutes building up to the play-offs.
"I'm ready for it and everyone else is."
So, does he think he did enough to give McClaren a selection poser when he comes to pick the team to face Brighton & Hove Albion in the play-off semi-final?
"Whenever you get a chance, you just want to do well," said Dawkins, who has made 27 appearances this term, including 21 starts.
"Here, we have great competition for places. It's all healthy.
"We're all together as one and we push each other on. I'm delighted with that.
"You want to play football but the players in my position are playing really well, so I'm happy for them.
"We've got good strength in depth at this club, so anyone who comes in can do a job and it just showed on Saturday that we're all ready.
"We want to win every game. That's our mentality.
"It didn't matter that we had nothing to play for, we just wanted to do well on the field."
Derby visit the Amex Stadium on Thursday night for the first leg of their tie against Brighton, with the return leg on Sunday.
"I'm really excited," said Dawkins. "We just want to do a good job.
"We're really focused on it, so now it's back to work."
