Although he is ineligible to face his parent club, Jamie Paterson could still have a say for Derby County against Bristol City.
The midfielder joined the Rams on loan on deadline day and is therefore ruled out of Tuesday's encounter under the lights at Pride Park.
However, Derby boss Phillip Cocu admitted he will instead use the 27-year-old Robins loanee in a bid to gain a tactical advantage over Lee Johnson and his side.
Speaking ahead of the first round of midweek Championship fixtures this season, Cocu said: "He [Jamie Paterson] has talked to the coaches about them. He has knowledge of the team, so we have to try to use everything that is available.
"It’s important we get a home victory. Then we can say that this start has been OK.
"They are a good side. We played them in pre-season. They also like to play football from the back, and have used two systems.
"So we will have to be at the top of our game."
Rams midfielder Kieran Dowell echoed that sentiment, saying the Derby players have been getting the lowdown in the Robins from Paterson.
He said: "It's going to be a good game, but we won't take anything for granted."
