John Eustace handed big Derby County boost - player has "had a bad time of it" | OneFootball

Owen Beck is yet to make his Derby debut due to a persistent hamstring problem

Derby County manager John Eustace has been given some huge encouragement regarding the recovery of Liverpool loanee Owen Beck.

The 23-year-old left-back joined the Rams on a season-long loan from the Premier League giants in July, but has yet to make his Derby debut due to a persistent hamstring problem.

Like a fair few others in the squad, the connection between Eustace and Beck stems from the left-back previously playing under the manager for Blackburn Rovers in 24/25.

During his time at Rovers, the Welsh international was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a hamstring injury in April, after featuring just 24 times in the league.

When Beck joined Derby, the move was touted as a "no-brainer" for the player, who credited Eustace with getting "the best out of me" during their time together at Ewood Park.

John Eustace reveals Owen Beck is "doing really well" after injury setback at Derby County

Speaking about Beck's recovery, Eustace revealed the positive news that Derby fans have been waiting to hear, after the player suffered a setback with his recovery in August.

"Owen's doing really well," Eustace confirmed.

"He's been training with us this week and I think he's down for a game at some point next week as well," he added.

Eustace has consistently shown faith in the young defender, describing him as "one of the most exciting full-backs in the country for his age" before the left-back arrived in the East Midlands.

"I think after the international break is when we'll get Owen back in the squad and firing," Eustace continued. "He's had a bad time of it, but he'll be ready.

"Mentally he's very strong and he can't wait to get back in with the group and the group can't wait to have him on the pitch," the Rams boss concluded.

Derby fans still trust in Eustace despite a poor start to the season, and will be excited to see whether the former Birmingham City and Blackburn boss is right in his glowing judgement of Beck.

Timing of Owen Beck's return will be crucial for Derby County's season

Owen Beck's looming return certainly comes at a crucial time for the Rams, who have endured a challenging start to the new Championship season.

Before Saturday's game Derby find themselves 22nd in the league on five points, after losing 1-0 at home to Preston North End last weekend.

The Welsh defender's attacking threat from left-back/wing-back would seemingly provide Eustace with far more quality in that area of the pitch than Callum Elder.

Against Preston, the 30-year-old Australian was subbed off in the 46th minute for Patrick Agyemang, for what Eustace later confirmed were tactical reasons.

For Beck, the Liverpool academy graduate has been eager to repay the faith shown in him by his manager. Speaking upon his arrival, Beck set ambitious targets for his time at Pride Park.

"Going forward, I like to get goals and assists. That'll be one of my main targets this year, to make sure I succeed in that area," Beck revealed.

By making sure Beck is fully fit before throwing him into first-team action, Eustace is clearly determined to avoid any further complications that could derail what has already been a stop-start beginning to life at Derby County.