Clough was watching from the stands as Sterjovski laid on two of his team's goals, courtesy of pin-point crosses, in a 5-3 win over Mansfield Town.

He put in a full 90 minutes but it is not yet clear whether Clough sees him as part of his future plans or not.

But the manager is keen to give everyone a chance to impress. He told the Derby Evening Telegraph: "Really, we want to look at players coming back from injury and players who need a game.

"That’s been a problem over the last few months, talking to the staff here, that with such a big squad, there have been quite a few players not getting regular football and regular matches.

"Training is OK up to a point but they have to play.

"Take Mile Sterjovski. That was his first or second game in two months or something like that against Manchester United and you could see that, physically, he couldn’t last. That’s not his fault.

“It is important, even at this level, that players do get out on the pitch and play matches.”

Should Sterjovski be deemed surplus to requirements, A-League new boys Gold Coast United would appear to be his most likely destination - providing he could be fitted under the salary cap.

United already have their marquee for next season in the shape of Socceroos midfielder Jason Culina.