Corey Blackett-Taylor’s opening day hamstring problem reinforces Derby County’s transfer needs, admits boss John Eustace.
Blackett-Taylor was forced off with a tight hamstring in the closing stages of the Rams’ 3-1 Championship defeat at Stoke City.
Derby will be hoping it’s just a niggle for the 27-year-old as he was the club’s most in-form player during pre-season and got an assist for Carlton Morris’ goal at the bet365 Stadium.
He is also the only authentic winger at Pride Park, with Eustace admitting the situation places more emphasis on trying to add reinforcements to the wide areas before the transfer window closes.
“Corey has got a tight hamstring. I thought Corey was quite quiet today, but then that one bit of magic has set the goal up,” said Eustace.
“Corey’s done his first pre-season in six years, he’s just completed that. He’s had a lot of injuries, so we’re at a place where we’ve got to try to get the best out of him as much as we can.”
Asked if Blackett-Taylor’s withdrawal places more emphasis on signing reinforcements in the wide areas, Eustace added: “Yeah, of course it does.
“We’re just looking to bring players in who can improve us and make us better.”
