Barnes on the brink of Rams return

Derby midfielder Giles Barnes is in contention for a return to action when the Rams travel to Reading on Sunday.

The highly-rated teenager recovered from foot problems to make an appearance from the bench against Bolton last Saturday and manager Billy Davies has the option of starting the midfielder this weekend.

Davies has a fully-fit squad and is likely to keep faith with Steve Howard and Kenny Miller up front, though Robert Earnshaw is pushing for a start.

Provisional squad: Bywater, Griffin, Moore, Malcolm, Teale, Davis, Camara, McEveley, Todd, Oakley, Mears, Pearson, Barnes, Howard, Price, Earnshaw, Miller, Jones, Leacock, Lewis.