Derby County manager John Eustace has delivered a major boost ahead of Saturday's season finale against Sheffield United, revealing that on-loan midfielder Bobby Clark could be back in the squad just in time for the crucial clash.

The Rams still harbour slim hopes of sneaking into the play-offs, but they'll need results to go their way—specifically, they must outperform both Wrexham and Hull City, who currently sit above them in the table. Every point matters, and having a player of Clark's calibre available could be the difference-maker.

"Bobby joined in a little bit today, and he's well ahead of schedule where he should be," Eustace said, offering an update on the 19-year-old's recovery. "We've got to really monitor that and protect the lad as well. But I'm hoping he'll be in the squad."

The Derby boss was measured in his expectations, however, noting that a start might be too much to ask. "Let's just wait and see. I'm not sure if he'll be able to start, but if we can get some minutes, that'd be fantastic."

Eustace didn't hold back in his praise for the young midfielder, who has been a standout performer during his loan spell. "Bobby's a top, top player. He's a fantastic human being and a great character for such a young boy. I think he's played ahead of his years. He's matured fantastically well throughout this season, from when he first came in as a boy. Now he's turned into a proper man, a proper leader with the way he plays."

With the season winding down, Eustace couldn't hide his admiration for Clark's development. "There's so much more to come from Bobby, and he's been great to work with this season. Obviously, we'd love to keep him going into next season."

For Derby fans, the prospect of seeing Clark back on the pitch—even for a few minutes—adds an extra layer of excitement to what promises to be a tense and decisive afternoon at Pride Park. Whether it's enough to spark a late play-off push remains to be seen, but having their key man available is a step in the right direction.