Source: PA
Barker to delay knee op
Derby defender Shaun Barker is delaying a knee operation until the struggling Rams are safe in the Championship.
The 28-year-old, who recently signed a new contract until 2014, has not been training because of the problem.
But Barker is a key figure for Derby and boss Nigel Clough does not want to lose him for the end-of-season run-in.
"Shaun will need something done to his knee at some point, which will probably keep him out for 12 weeks," said Clough. "There is never an ideal time but we will try to find it. His time out has to encompass the two months in the summer - May and June - in order for him to be ready for pre-season training ahead of next season.
"In an absolute ideal world we will get him operated on at the start of April with a view to him being back for pre-season, but that will depend on us being where we want to be in the table."
A run of eight league games without a win has left Derby 19th and in relegation trouble. They have won just once in 15 matches ahead of Saturday's crucial clash with fellow strugglers Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
