Johnny Russell, Jeff Hendrick make Derby County return from injury

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.