Pearson On His Way Back

Stephen Pearson is working his way back to fitness, having been out for four-months with a knee injury. He, and Jay McEveley, will feature in a reserve match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

'Stephen and Jay joined in full training yesterday. We have a friendly arranged at Aston Villa and they will both feature in that if they train OK today.

'It is good to get Stephen in the game on Wednesday but in terms of being ready for the first team, it may be another week or two after that. In an ideal world, we would look to get him on the bench and get him on for 15 or 20 minutes.

'He will give us options. He can play central or left of midfield and he can run, with or without the ball. I think sometimes we have lacked runners without the ball. We certainly missed that in the first 15 minutes of the second half against Forest on Friday night.'

Jay O'Shea, who was on trial with Derby under Paul Jewell, will again be given the once over, this time by Nigel Clough as the Irish winger will also feature.

'By chance, I saw the game (the 5-2 behind-closed-doors win over Notts County in November). I was there to watch a couple of lads from Notts County.

'We have invited him back over.

'He will play tomorrow and we will make a decision after that.'

Clough was talking to the Evening Telegraph.

Pearson has been out since the end of September, having had surgery on a troublesome kneecap, with McEveley injuring his shoulder during his loan spell with Championship rivals Charlton. Should O'Shea impress again then the deal with Moor Farm for the winger could be pushed through, with the fee believed to be around £300,000.

Get active! Have your say on this articles content below!

Free to play Fantasy Football Championship game: Click here for details. £5,000 in cash to be won!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.