Tyson just needs a goal - Clough

Manager Nigel Clough has backed striker Nathan Tyson to break his Derby goal duck sooner rather than later.

Tyson has endured a frustrating first season with the Rams and has yet to score since signing from east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest in the summer. A troublesome groin injury forced the 29-year-old to miss virtually all of the first half of the season. He was recalled to the team against Leeds on Monday after being on the bench for three games and his 20 outings this campaign are split evenly between starts and substitute appearances. Clough insists Tyson can take heart from his display in the 2-0 victory at Elland Road, despite his failure to take two or three chances early on. "Nathan just needs a goal but he is getting into the positions. If he had got a goal at any time this season then I think he would have got one (against Leeds)," said Clough following the game on Monday. "He was very unlucky with his header in the first minute, that could easily have gone in. "He has still not managed to nick a goal but I thought his running against Leeds stretched them and, away from home, that is exactly what we want him and Theo Robinson to do. Nathan can take heart from that and he's just got to keep plugging away."