Derby County Football Club

• Nickname:The Rams
• Founded:1884
• Manager:Nigel Clough

• Ground:Pride Park
• Capacity:33597

Surgery rules out Stubbs

01 May 2008 - 11:47:58

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Derby County are confident Alan Stubbs will be injury-free in time for pre-season training after sending the veteran defender for surgery on a knee problem.

Subbs, 36, will play no part in the club's two remaining fixtures this season after going under the knife in a bid to clear up a long-running problem.

The evergreen centre-half has made eight appearances for the Rams following his arrival from Everton on a free transfer in January.

"This is a proactive step by us to get Alan sorted out and in fighting condition for the start of pre-season on June 27," manager Paul Jewell told the club's official website.

"Having the operation now rather than waiting means that he will be ready for us when we need him."

Stubbs has made almost 650 first-team appearances during a career spanning 18 years.