Loanee heads back to Championship rivals after impressive spell at Pride Park.

Derby County’s on-loan defender Craig Forsyth has returned to his parent club Watford.

The 24-year-old Scotsman, who can also play in midfield, joined Derby on loan from the Hornets at the beginning of March.

He had been an ever-present in Nigel Clough’s side since his arrival and made his final appearance in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Blackpool.

Watford have activated the recall clause in the loan agreement which will see him return to Vicarage Road ahead of their final Championship fixture of the season against Leeds United on Saturday.

Derby manager Clough said:“Craig’s done brilliantly for us since the moment he arrived so we’re sad to see him leave a little bit early.


“We totally understand Watford’s thinking in calling him back, they will at least be in the playoffs so they want him around going into the last game of the season.”

Clough has also confirmed that Derby are keen to make Forsyth a fully-fledged Rams player over the summer after an impressive two month stay at Pride Park.

He said: “We’re in negotiations with Watford, once their season is over, to hopefully get him here on a permanent basis.”

In total Forsyth made 10 appearances for Derby, with the majority coming at left-back.