Midfield ace in line for return

Rams midfielder Stephen Pearson is expected to be passed fit for Reading's visit to Pride Park on Saturday.

Pearson missed Derby's defeat at the hands of Swansea last weekend with a groin injury but is expected to play some part when fellow strugglers Reading visit Pride Park.

However, Paul Connolly has been ruled out with a hip-injury picked up in training, although he would have missed the fixture anyway through suspension.

Rams boss Nigel Clough could welcome back Jay McEveley, Miles Addison, Lee Croft and Lee Hendrie who all played in recent reserve team duty after recovering from injuries, while striker DJ Campbell could face Reading after making a loan-switch from Leicester.