Striker Jermaine Beckford is back in training and in contention to return to the United side for Tuesday's trip to Derby County.

The striker missed Friday's FA Cup clash with Northampton after suffering a slight injury during training the day before the game - but boss Gary McAllister expects to welcome him back for the Carling Cup fourth round tie at Pride Park.

"I'm pleased with Jermaine who has responded to treatment over the weekend," said the manager. 

"He's been in all hours, he joined in training on Monday, and he looked sharp."

Becks was joined by Republic of Ireland international Alan Sheehan who returned to training for the first time since early October after suffering a re-occurence of his hamstring injury.

"The other big plus is Alan Sheehan trained as well on Monday," said the boss.

"But we're very concious that he broke down very early on his comeback last time so he maybe he needs a full week of proper training and a reserve game as well."

With Becks back in the fold, and Sheehan's return to action being delayed, the only injury absences on Tuesday will be Rui Marques, who is still sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Paul Huntington, who is in the final throes of returning after a groin problem.

Check out LUTV for all the latest ahead of the Derby game...