DCFC confirmed today that reports yesterday of Ryan Noble once again joining the Rams on loan - were 100% correct! At the same time other movement seems likely amongst Nigel Clough’s squad during the January window.
A Noble Signing!
Ryan Noble is an England youth international and highly regarded as a player with a bright future despite not currently being in the plans of Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill.
Noble has been a Ram before as he originally joined Derby County on an emergency loan deal in October of 2010. He made one appearance, as a substitute, before a back injury ruled him out of contention and he returned to Sunderland.
Despite scoring a plethora of goals in for the Black Cats reserves including four against Manchester United’s second string – Noble has been unable to force his way into the first team and will no doubt be looking for that to change at Derby.
Nigel Clough was pleased to bring back a player he was impressed with during his original short stint at DCFC:
"When Ryan arrived last season we labelled him as a striker with a good reputation for scoring goals, and his form in recent months for Sunderland's reserves suggests he hasn't lost his touch.”
"He has scored a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United, four against Manchester United and also found the net against Arsenal inside the last month, so he certainly arrives here in very good form.”
"Ryan will provide another option for us up front and he's coming into a squad brimming with confidence, creating chances and scoring goals, so it's as good a time as any to be joining us.”
"We like Ryan, he's a very good player and he can get goals so it's great to have him on board and I'd like to thank Martin O'Neill and Sunderland for agreeing to loan him out to us."
RamZone would like to welcome Ryan Noble back to Pride Park and will publish a full player profile on the Rams loan signing in coming days.
Croft A Saint?
Reports today suggest that Lee Croft is headed to the SPL on loan for the remainder of the season for St Johnstone.
Croft has fallen from favour once again after looking like he had redeemed himself in the off-season. After a few appearances he slipped from the first team and this loan move could become permanent if all goes well for the 26 year old.
Nigel Clough spoke about the wingers move to Scotland in search of football:
"It is an opportunity for Lee to go and get some games with a view to doing something in the summer.”
Cywka & Maguire on the move?
Reports today suggested that Tomasz Cywka has been linked with a move to Slask Wroclaw who are the current Polish league leaders.
As Cywka is out of contract at season end the Rams may be keen to shop him around while they can still get something for the talented forward who has been unable to make an impact this season.
Chris Maguire has also been reportedly the target of a loan request from Hibernian who was keen to bring him back to the SPL.
After costing Nigel Clough nearly half a million pounds from Aberdeen, the striker has failed to consolidate a spot in the Rams starting eleven.
It is believed that the Rams have knocked back Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon’s request but with the confirmation that Ryan Noble has joined Derby on loan – this may be one to watch.
Davies Gets The All Clear
A series of scans on Monday gave Steve Davies and the Rams news that they had been hoping for when the results confirmed he could resume on field action.
It has been three months since Davies fractured his skull against Southampton which required a total of 10 metal plates and 22 screws to repair the damage.
Despite being in full training since late last year – Nigel Clough and his team were determined to wait until they had the all clear before allowing the striker to resume his playing duties.
Davies is expected to take part in Derby's Senior Cup clash with Pinxton on Wednesday evening but will be wearing a special protective mask for the game and any he participates in for some time to come.
Before his unfortunate injury Steve Davies was a major player in the Rams early form that saw them close to the top of the table. Having scored five times during the ten matches he participated in, he is still the second highest goal scorer for Derby this season.
Welcome back Steve and good luck!