Derby boss Nigel Clough is hopeful that Paul Connolly will return from injury in time for the Rams' trip to Midlands rivals Leicester.

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The full-back has missed the last two matches with a foot problem and Clough hopes he will show signs of improvement before the Championship campaign resumes on October 17.

"He's got a chance. It depends how his foot settles down but he's still nowhere near kicking a ball," said Clough. "He can run at a certain pace but the knock is right on top of his good foot. It's a question of how long it will be until he can strike a ball.

"You can't go out there thinking you can only strike it at 50 or 60 per cent, especially as a defender, as there are going to be times you have to smash the ball."

The outlook is not so positive for fellow defender Miles Addison who could remain sidelined for another month, with Clough hinting that the England U21 international may require surgery.

"Miles has got to rest his foot for another two to four weeks and then we will look at it again. A second opinion confirmed the first one," Clough said. "At Miles' age, we need it sorting out once and for all."