Derby defender Claude Davis is to see a specialist on Tuesday to assess a knee problem which has troubled him since the start of the season.Jamaica international Davis, 28, has been dogged by the injury throughout the season and has taken the opportunity for further assessment during the international break.

Midfielder Stephen Pearson is also struggling with injury ahead of the weekend's Premier League encounter with Tottenham.

"Claude will see a specialist regarding his knee problem and 'Pearo' has had a few problems with his groin and hamstrings," manager Paul Jewell told Derby's official website.

"That's why you hope the players on international duty come back fit and well."

Both Davis and Pearson appear to be major doubts for Spurs' visit to Pride Park while Hossam Ghaly is ineligible, having been loaned out by the north London club.

Australian Mile Sterjovski, meanwhile, is awaiting international clearance following his move from Turkish side Genclerbirligi.

Derby have not won any of their past 19 league matches but have picked up points in their past two outings - a first occurrence for the campaign.

"It's been positive in training and we would have liked in training to build on the two results we have just had, but unfortunately that can't happen," said Jewell.

"I don't think we are playing great football at the moment - but that goes for all the clubs in the lower reaches of the Premier League right now because they are all playing survival football."

Rock-bottom Derby are 13 points away from safety with 13 matches left to play, meaning only a major turn around in fortunes can save them from the drop.

So Jewell is prudently planning for the worst while trying to double the Rams' win tally for the season.

"The summer starts now regarding recruitment of players and players we are looking to move on," he said.

"It's a long drawn-out process but hopefully by the start of next season we will be where we want to be.

"It takes time to turn around a losing mentality but by the start of next season you will see major improvement from top to bottom."

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