Derby County coach Paul Simpson has told Darren Bent to "carry on where he left off" after the international break following his return from injury.

The Aston Villa loanee made his return from a three-week layoff in Derby's last game before the international break - a 2-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Although he did not score at Molineux, Bent still has a record of seven goals in 11 appearance for the Rams since his January loan switch and Simpson believes that he can be vital to their promotion push as the final month of the season approaches.

Speaking to the club website, Simpson said: "It was a boost to get him back before the international break and it's pleasing that he's not had any reaction.

"We hope that he can carry on where he left off because he was in great form and putting the ball in the back of the net."

Derby have stuttered of late as they are without a win in six games and only a point clear of the chasing pack in the playoff places.