Derby County manager Steve McClaren has indicated that striker Darren Bent has earned a starting role for the club's upcoming games after scoring against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.

Bent replaced the injured Chris Martin before netting his team's equaliser in the 2-2 draw at Dean Court, and McClaren has praised the on-loan forward for his patience since joining on loan from Aston Villa.

The 53-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "Darren Bent has come on and showed his quality. Losing Chris Martin was huge and we had to change things around but Darren gave us something different.

"He has had to be patient and wait for his chance but he will get the opportunity to play some games now."

The result leaves the Rams one point behind leaders Middlesbrough in the Championship standings.