John Eustace praises 'top character' Ryan Nyambe after Derby County uncertainty

John Eustace has praised Ryan Nyambe for the way he has aided Derby County at a "critical time" just months after he appeared to have an uncertain future at Pride Park. The former Blackburn and Wigan defender produced an outstanding performance at Sheffield United last weekend, having been deployed as an emergency centre-half despite being a right-back.

Nyambe's future looked to be away from Pride Park in the summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Reading but he has stepped in admirably with Derby's defence decimated by injury. And his contribution has not gone unnoticed by Eustace, who took time to praise Nyambe, who will be involved against Millwall tomorrow.

"I think it just shows the kind of character that he is," Eustace told DerbyshireLive. "He's been a top character since I've been at the football club.

"He went on loan last season, and he was disappointed to leave, but then coming back, I don't think he's missed a single day either in pre-season or during the season. I'm delighted with the way he's stepped in at a real critical time with no defenders available

"The way he's playing has been really pleasing and full credit to him. Hopefully that will continue."

With Dion Sanderson suspended for tomorrow's trip to the capital, Nyambe is likely to be part of another back four that will have a different look.

Shane Duffy arrived on a free transfer yesterday on a short-term deal until January with the former Norwich and Brighton man set to be part of the travelling party. Jack Robinson, the former Birmingham defender, who is another short-term signing could also feature after coming off the bench for the clash against Sheffield United last weekend.

Centre-backs Eiran Cashin and Sondre Langas are sidelined through injury, as is Matt Clarke. However, Derby have been boosted by the news that Clarke was involved in training this week, but only for minor exercises. Patrick Agyemang is also making strides on his comeback with the striker having taken part in finishing sessions.

Speaking yesterday, Eustace said: "Matt Clarke and Patrick Agyemang have both trained and taken small parts training in the last week, which has been a massive boost for the group.

"It's been fantastic to see them back, training and taking part. It's going to take probably another couple of weeks before they're both fully involved and available for selection.

"But just to have them next to the boys on the training pitch and also taking part. It's been a huge boost and everyone's delighted with the progress they've made.

"Patrick's done a little bit of finishing unopposed, which has been great. Clarkey's taken part in a couple of the warm-ups, some passing drills, so just to have those two top performers back around the group has been excellent."

Make sure you never miss the latest Derby County news and opinion by making Derbyshire Live one of your Google preferred sources.

Get the best Derby County news, analysis and more straight to your Inbox!

To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.