THE winger certainly made a brave decision when he opted to depart the City Ground in favour of a Bosman free transfer to Pride Park.

And the validity of his insistence that he was making a step up to a bigger club may certainly be tested come the end of the campaign, with both sides embroiled in a relegation battle.

But he will remain a key player for the Rams, with his creativity and directness down the flanks an important factor in their attacking play.

Commons, who is a Forest fan, smashed Derby into a spectacular lead against Manchester United in the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final. And he will feel he has a particular point to prove against the Reds. But the man tasked with the job of shackling the winger will be more than familiar with his abilities.

Luke Chambers has been restored to the starting XI under Billy Davies and, as part of the back four, has helped to maintain the run of three consecutive clean sheets.

Chambers would doubtless still be more comfortable at centre half, but he has looked far more assured at right back in recent weeks.

The trickery of Commons would represent a difficult afternoon for most Championship defenders.

But Chambers, backed by the rest of the in-form Forest rearguard, will be hoping to maintain their run of shut-outs.