Derby County's Paul Coutts nearing fitness return

Derby County manager Nigel Clough has revealed that Paul Coutts should be fit for the start of the new Championship season.

The midfielder was forced to miss the Rams' recent friendlies against Burton Albion and West Bromwich Albion with a groin injury.

"We are confident he will be available for the Blackburn game, although we were happy with the way the midfield worked against West Brom," Sky Sports News quotes Clough as saying.

Derby will get their campaign underway at home to Blackburn Rovers on Sunday.