Paul Jewell has warned Robbie Savage he must improve if he is to return to Derby's first-team plans.
Rams boss demands midfielder battles for place in his side
Derby County manager Paul Jewell has warned midfielder Robbie Savage he must improve if he is to return to the first-team picture.
Savage, who spent a month-long loan at Brighton earlier this term, has not featured for the Rams since August after falling out of favour with Jewell.
Jewell brought the 34-year-old Welshman to Pride Park in January and has challenged him to rediscover his form and push for a place in his side.
He said in the
Daily Star: "It is not about personalities for me. They have got to go on the training pitch Monday to Friday and say: 'I'm here and if you want me, you can rely on me'.
"It is not about what players have done in the past. It is about what they do in the present that I'm interested in.
"This season Robbie has not done enough to get in the team. That's not to say it won't change, but he will have to improve."