DERBY County are set to be without influential winger Johnny Russell for tonight’s Championship clash at home to Blackburn Rovers.

The Scotland international had been troubled by a hamstring injury in the build-up to Derby’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Chesterfield on Saturday.

And, after coming on at half-time, Russell lasted just 20 minutes before hobbling off.

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Rams boss Steve McClaren, whose fifth-placed side will move into the automatic promotion places with victory tonight, said: “Johnny has a little tightness in his hamstring and hopefully it is not too bad but Tuesday is probably too soon, the way he is looking.”

On-loan Aston Villa striker Darren Bent marked his first start for Derby by opening the scoring against Chesterfield.

And McClaren, who usually operates Chris Martin up front on his own, said: “I wanted to see what he could do and how he would blend into the team.

“We are looking to play him and Chris Martin together, maybe starting them or him coming on to give opponents something to think about.”