Derby County duo Johnny Russell and Jeff Hendrick made their return to match action from injuries this afternoon.
The pair featured for the Rams' Under-21 side in a friendly against Burnley.
Academy graduate Hendrick, 21, has been absent since August with an ankle injury, while summer signing Russell, 23, has missed the last four games because of a fractured fibula.
"It's about building up their sharpness now and getting match fitness under their belts ahead of returning to the first-team squad on a matchday," first-team coach Paul Simpson told the club's official website.
"Ahead of what's going to be a busy few weeks their returns are certainly very timely for us."
Derby currently lie two points outside the Championship's top six in eighth and next travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.
