Derby County FC

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• Manager:Nigel Clough

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Rams delay Barnes return

14 Jul 2007 - 15:46:38

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Derby County midfielder Giles Barnes is almost certain to miss the start of the new season after failing to recover as expected from a broken foot.

The teenage wideman suffered the injury in the Rams' Championship play-off final victory over West Bromwich Albion in May, but was expected to be fit for the start of the new campaign.

However, Derby boss Billy Davies has revealed the 18-year-old's rehabilitation has slipped behind schedule and he is now highly unlikely to make their opening game against Portsmouth on August 11.

"Giles has been told he must rest for two or three more weeks and then he will have another scan," he told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"The injury has not healed as quickly as we would have liked."

Barnes, who was linked with moves to the Premier League at times last season, made 48 appearances and scored nine times during the 2006/07 campaign.