Leon Best: Derby County end Blackburn striker's loan deal

Best has not scored for Derby, but was on hand to fire the ball home in case Ryan Shotton's strike against Nottingham Forest was not given in September

Striker Leon Best has returned to Blackburn Rovers after his season-long loan with Derby County was cut short.

The 28-year-old joined the Rams in August but only started three matches.

And his hopes of getting more game time were further hampered by the signing of former England striker Darren Bent.

Head coach Steve McClaren told BBC Radio Derby: "He has not had many chances and has not really taken them when he's had them, but his attitude has been great."

Republic of Ireland international Best, who played 15 times as a substitute in the Championship without making the starting line-up, failed to impress in the 1-0 FA Cup victory over Southport on Saturday.

But McClaren could not fault the former Coventry City and Newcastle United forward's approach to training.

"He has been an absolute gem - a model professional," McClaren said. "His attitude has been great every day,

"He has just been unfortunate that he has been behind Chris Martin, who has been incredible for the first half of the season."