SQUAD UPDATE: Johnston and Langås Set For Under-21s Minutes

Max Johnston and Sondre Langås will take a step closer to First Team returns by featuring for Derby County Under-21s on Friday evening, Head Coach John Eustace has confirmed.

Both defenders rejoined training with the rest of the First Team squad during the international break and are to set to play some part as Danny Maye’s Under-21s seek a third straight Premier League 2 win when they face Manchester City in Matlock (7pm kick-off).

Starting off by discussing the return of Max Johnston – who has been limited to just nine Derby appearances since his summer move from Sturm Graz – Eustace told RamsTV: “He’s looking good. Max has been stepping it up and looking shaper every day.

“He’s been back for a week now and he’ll also get some minutes for the U21s on Friday night, which will be brilliant for him. It’s been a long road for Max to get to this stage but he’s worked his socks off and he’s had a great dressing room behind him making sure he got through it. We’re buzzing to have him as part of the squad again.”

The Scottish right-back last played for the Rams in late-October, completing 88 minutes in the 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Pride Park Stadium.

Like Johnston, Norwegian centre-half Langas has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, missing 10 matches since January’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

Following his comeback to training during the international break, Eustace confirmed the 25-year-old won’t be in contention for Friday’s Sky Bet Championship clash away at league leaders Coventry City (8pm kick-off).

“It’s too early for Sondre. He only started training on Monday, but he will get some minutes for the Under-21s on Friday, which is fantastic.

“Let’s see how he gets on there. Hopefully he can then get more involvement with the First Team and let’s have a look if he can join in for Southampton.”

Tickets for Derby County U21s vs Manchester City U21s can be purchased online HERE.