Rams count on Coutts
Derby are confident Paul Coutts will be available when they begin their Sky Bet Championship campaign against Blackburn on Sunday.
Coutts has been nursing a groin problem and the midfielder missed the Rams' final two friendly matches against Burton and West Brom but he resumed training this week. Teenage striker Mason Bennett is also back in training after suffering a rib injury while in action for the Under-21 side.
Summer signings Lee Grant, Johnny Russell, John Eustace and Adam Smith will all hope to make their debuts in one of the fixtures hand picked by the Football League to mark its 125-year anniversary.
Chris Martin and Craig Forsyth, on loan at Pride Park last season, remain available after joining the club on permanent deals.
Blackburn could hand debuts to as many as eight new players.
Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has enjoyed a productive summer at Ewood Park as he looks to mount a fresh challenge for promotion.
Defender Tommy Spurr and Hull loanee Tom Cairney are likely to feature after joining the club on Thursday, while former Leeds defender Matt Kilgallon is also among those hoping to make their bow.
However, striker DJ Campbell is unavailable after damaging ankle ligaments in pre-season while midfielder Corry Evans, who arrived as late as Friday on a three-year deal from Hull, is also ruled out with a groin injury.
Source: PA
