Derby forward Jamie Ward played almost an hour in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burton on Tuesday afternoon.
Ward was sidelined for three months after tearing his hamstring in the 1-0 win over east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on September 30.
His comeback as a substitute in the recent 1-1 draw at Charlton, where he scored the Rams' equaliser from the penalty spot, lasted just 16 minutes before his hamstring tightened and he missed the victories against Middlesbrough and Tranmere.
However, the 26-year-old showed no ill-effects as he featured for 58 minutes as a strong Derby side battered Burton 9-1 at the Rams' Moor Farm training ground.
Ward was amongst the goalscorers, on target in the first half along with Theo Robinson (2), Nathan Tyson (2) and Mason Bennett before an own goal gave the hosts a 7-0 lead at the break.
Bennett and substitute Niall Dawkins added further goals in the second half before Albion pulled a goal back in the latter stages.
