Stretton Makes First League Start Against Swansea In Only Change From Reading Win

Academy graduate Jack Stretton will make his first league start for Derby County when they face Swansea City at Pride Park Stadium in the Sky Bet Championship this afternoon (3pm kick-off).

The 20-year-old, who has made seven appearances off the bench this term in the league, will lead the line against the Swans with Sam Baldock ruled out with a hamstring issue.

The Scotland Under-21 international’s inclusion in the starting line-up is the only change made by manager Wayne Rooney from the side’s 1-0 win over Reading on home turf in midweek.

Ryan Allsop keeps his place in goal after an impressive showing against the Royals with Kelle Roos, back from suspension after serving a one-match ban for his red card at Sheffield United last weekend, taking his place on the bench.

Phil Jagielka remains out with a thigh injury, so Richard Stearman continues at the heart of the defence alongside Curtis Davies.

Attacking full-back Festy Ebosele is back in the first-team squad after illness and is amongst the substitutes.

Former Rams loanees Ben Hamer and Jamie Paterson are named in the starting line-up for the visitors while Derby Academy graduate Morgan Whittaker is on the bench.

Derby County: Allsop (GK), Byrne, Forsyth, Shinnie, Bird, Lawrence (C), Morrison, Stearman, Davies, Stretton, Knight.

Substitutes: Roos (GK), Jozwiak, Sibley, Buchanan, Watson, Ebosele, Williams.

Swansea City: Hamer (GK), Manning, Downes, Cabango, Smith, Grimes (C), Paterson, Piroe, Latibeaudiere, Bidwell, Naughton.

Substitutes: Benda (GK), Fulton, Whittaker, Cullen, Laird, Walsh, Williams.