Commons took his season tally to nine goals with his brace against Ipswich

Derby County manager Nigel Clough says Kris Commons is reaping the rewards of a rare injury-free spell.

Commons, 27, has been a crucial factor in the club's charge up the Championship table, scoring nine goals to help the Rams move into fourth spot.

Clough said: "Kris is fitter than he's been for 18 months and he's working hard in training and games.

"He could get 20 goals a season, if he stays fit, which for someone who's not a striker would be a great return."

Commons has been plagued by injury problems since joining the Rams from local rivals Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2008.

606: DEBATE Yes, Commons has been somewhat injury-prone and can at times look almost bored...but that's not what he is about Kris Commons is about those few moments of magic, of pure footballing brilliance DruDrutheRam Lost in Confusion

But he has started 15 out of the 16 league games so far this season and scored twice in the away victory over Ipswich on Tuesday.

The Scotland international has already stated his desire to stay at Pride Park when his current deal expires at the end of the current campaign.

And Clough is hopeful the situation will be resolved sooner rather than later.

"We're trying to get a new contract sorted and discussions are ongoing at the moment," Clough said.

"He's enjoying it, which you do when you've been out for such a long time. Now he needs to keep working and building up his fitness."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version