DERBY HIT BY PEARSON BLOW

Pearson - injury blow.

Derby have suffered a blow after midfielder Stephen Pearson has been ruled out for around four months after undergoing knee surgery.

The 26-year-old has made four league starts for the Rams so far this season but underwent surgery on Monday after a persistent kneecap problem and has been ruled out until after the New Year.

Boss Paul Jewell told the club's official website: "It is a blow to Stephen and it's a blow to us.

"He has had a problem for a while and has been playing with the help of an injection.

"The operation went very well but it is a serious injury and will probably keep him out for three to four months."