Derby County: Clough turns down Randall loan chance

DERBY County have decided not to take Arsenal youngster Mark Randall on loan.

The 19-year-old midfielder linked up with the Rams on their tour of the south-west last week with a view to a long-term loan.

He started the victories over Yeovil and Exeter City, and came on as a substitute in the goalless draw with Torquay United.

"We have decided not to pursue anything with Mark," said manager Nigel Clough before last night's friendly against Matlock Town at Causeway Lane.

"We have spoken to Liam Brady at Arsenal and to Mark, and although he did quite well for us while we were away, we think we need a different sort of midfielder.

"We need somebody who is going to come in and really challenge the three central midfielders we have in there.

"We have three very good players – Robbie Savage, Stephen Pearson and Paul Green – and arguably they have impressed as much as anybody in the last three or four weeks."

Clough is hopeful of bringing in two young players on loan from Premier League clubs – one a midfielder, the other a defender.

"We cannot do anything this week," said Clough.

"We have to phone the clubs next week when they are back from tours and things like that. We will have a better idea then but we are quite hopeful on both of them."

Derby's first-team squad take on Notts County in a pre-season fixture at Meadow Lane tonight.

Right winger Lee Croft is out as a precaution after taking a knock on the knee at Exeter at the weekend.

"Lee will not feature but I'm sure he will be OK for Stoke on Saturday," said Clough.

Croft's absence will hand Steve Davies another chance to impress after his fine display as a second-half substitute against Exeter City.

"Steve Davies will start and we will see how he does," said Clough.

"He did very well in training again on Monday morning and he looks as though he has got the bit between his teeth which we hope he has because ability-wise, he has got as much as anybody in the squad.

"It is lovely to see him when he has that determined attitude about him, we just need him to have it for the next nine months."

Notts County have been in the news following the appointment of ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson as their new director of football.

And the Magpies then beat neighbours Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Saturday.

"We have played two League One sides now and this will be our second game against a League Two side, and they give you just as tough a game like Torquay did," said Clough.

"So we are expecting another one especially on the back of the victory Notts have just had and the boost with Mr Eriksson and everything.

"They are on a high and we are expecting them to be up and at us."

Eriksson is expected to be at the game.