John Eustace receives major Derby County boost ahead of West Brom - it involves £5.8m man | OneFootball

The Rams are set to call upon the services of Patrick Agyemang for the first time

Derby County head coach John Eustace has received a major boost ahead of Saturday's trip to The Hawthorns against West Bromwich Albion, with Patrick Agyemang set to be involved in a matchday squad for the first time.

The USMNT international was one of many new faces to arrive at Pride Park during Eustace's first transfer window in charge of the Rams following his switch from Blackburn Rovers in February, yet he has been sidelined ever since the club parted with a hefty seven-figure fee for his services from MLS side, Charlotte FC.

As a result, Agyemang has been left helpless in the opening month of the Championship season as the East Midlands side have got off to a mixed start after staving off relegation by just one point at the conclusion of last term.

Derby are one of five clubs - alongside Ipswich Town, Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United - yet to pick up a three-point haul so far this season, with their two draws coming against Bristol City and the Tractor Boys last time out, in which the home side equalised in late and controversial circumstances.

However, as his side look to continue the recent winning streak they have over the Baggies, Eustace's chances of picking up three points for the first time since April 26th have been given a significant increase.

Derby County set to call upon Patrick Aygemang's services for the first time in West Bromwich Albion clash

As mentioned previously, Agyemang was one of 13 new signings that moved to DE24 in pre-season or the early weeks of the Championship campaign, as well as being the player which David Clowes invested the most in.

The 12-time United States international was acquired from the side managed by ex-Aston Villa, Norwich City and Leicester City boss, Dean Smith, for a reported initial fee of £5.8m - although there is scope for the deal to rise up to the £7.3m mark on a four-year contract.

After featuring at the Gold Cup - during which he scored twice against Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti - it was confirmed by his new employers that he would be sidelined for a period due to a long-standing hernia issue, which sidelined him for Derby's return to league action last month.

His eventual availability has been a hot topic of discussion throughout Eustace's early-season press conferences. However, ahead of the short trip to B71 on Saturday, it has been confirmed by Derbyshire Live that his summer recruit will be a part of a matchday squad for the first time since his move to England.

The report also indicates that fellow forward, Lars-Jorgen Salvesen, will also travel to The Hawthorns, although it is unlikely the duo will receive a substantial number of minutes after their well-documented lengthy layoffs.

Derby County supporters will be buoyed by fresh Patrick Agyemang developments ahead of West Brom encounter

Rams supporters are well-known for giving their team a strong backing on the road, and Agyemang will get to experience this first-hand for the very first time on Saturday, and those in the stands will only have increased their positivity based on the aforementioned fresh developments.

Despite a mixed start to the campaign in terms of results, Derby have also showcased a sign of improvement when it comes to goals, having scored seven times already after only finding the target 48 times across the whole of last season.

Fellow summer signing Carlton Morris has chipped in with four of those, but with Agyemang returning from injury, Rhian Brewster scoring his first for the club at Portman Road and the loan acquisition of Ben Brereton Diaz, there is a strong mix of experience and flair at Eustace's disposal should they all remain fit.