Wearing a protective mask after undergoing surgery on a fractured cheekbone, the left-back captained the side during yesterday's 4-1 victory over Sheffield United and played the full 90 minutes at Bramall Lane.

Scotland international McEveley sustained the injury in the Coca-Cola Championship defeat at Middlesbrough on October 20.

He then suffered a major scare when his heart stopped for two minutes during the procedure to correct the facial disfigurement.

"It was nice to get back out there after everything that has happened, and it was good to use the mask in a game situation," McEveley told the Derby Telegraph.

"It seemed to protect me well so I am pleased about that. I've trained with it on so I'm used to it.

"It didn't bother me, apart from one time I went up for a header and it slipped off a bit.

"Overall, it seemed steady and there's no reason why I can't play in a Championship match with it on."