Commons is stepping up his fitness as he recovers from a hamstring injury

Winger Kris Commons marked his return from injury with the winning goal as Derby County beat Notts County 3-2 at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.

Commons, who has missed most of pre-season with a hamstring injury, played the final 30 minutes of the win.

Manager Nigel Clough told BBC Radio Derby: "I had no intention of playing Kris but other injuries forced my hand.

"He is still well short fitness-wise and we have to be careful as he is still behind but he didn't do bad."

Notts took the lead when Jay McEveley put through his own net but Steve Davies profited from a poor backpass to draw Derby level.

Robbie Savage's looping cross deceived keeper Kevin Pilkington to put the visitors ahead.

And Commons grabbed the winner with another mis-hit cross after Luke Rodgers had made it 2-2.

Clough was delighted to see Commons back in a Rams shirt: "We saw glimpses of what he can do, which is probably all we'll see for the next few weeks until he gets up to speed fitness-wise.

"But it's lovely to have him out there."

Commons could now face his former club Stoke City on Saturday at Pride Park.

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