Adam Legzdins has been the number one since Fielding suffered a groin injury during the 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough on October 3.
The 24-year-old is fit again and ready for first-team action after a handful of run outs for the Under-21 side, the latest of which was on Monday afternoon.
But after 13 consecutive starts, Legzdins remains first choice and Fielding is having to sit on the substitutes' bench.
Fielding was number one last season, when he missed only two of Derby's 49 matches, and Clough has been impressed with how he has reacted to the role reversal.
"I thought Frankie was excellent in the victory on Monday," said Clough. "He showed a great attitude. His talking helped the young lads in front of him and he made some very good saves as well.
"Frank is an excellent goalkeeper and we have got two excellent keepers, so he has just got to be patient. Frank has had it where he was number one for 18 months and Adam had to be patient.
"Now Adam has got his chance because of an injury and Frank is the one who has to be patient and support Adam as best he can, and he does that."
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