After nearly seven months on the sidelines, it is hoped that Shaun Barker will have his first full game of football on the long road to recovery following knee surgery.
Barker who missed the later stages of the Championship campaign last season after the Rams were safe from relegation, had what was thought at the time to be routine surgery to clear the knee of loose items. He was intended to be out of action for just the summer months and return just a few weeks into the season, but set backs have meant the lengthy lay-off.
Given the all clear to resume full training last month Shaun is now keen to see what he can do in a full game and then return to the first team squad soon.
The Rams also had further good news when Paul Green, who has also been out of action for seven months following cruciate knee ligament damage, also looks set for a run out with the reserves today in Sheffield...