Ryan Shotton hails Darren Bent impact at Derby County

Derby County defender Ryan Shotton has hailed loan signing Darren Bent for his impact at the club.

The striker took his tally to three goals in three games on Tuesday night by scoring twice in the Rams' 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

Bent, 30, is currently on loan at Derby from Aston Villa until the end of the season.

"He is exactly what we've needed," Shotton told BBC Sport. "He brings a different dimension. There are lads in the team who are doing great, but Benty can come in and do things like that. He's been doing great and has been great in training."

Tuesday's win saw Derby return to second place in the Championship table, level on points with leaders Bournemouth.