Derby will seek permission from Sunderland for on-loan striker Ryan Noble to play in the FA Cup against Stoke.
Noble joined the Rams for a second time last week and came on as a second-half substitute during the goalless draw at Burnley.
Manager Nigel Clough is set to speak to Black Cats counterpart Martin O'Neill this week to see if the 20-year-old will be allowed to play in the fourth round on Saturday.
"We are going to have a chat with Martin and see what his thinking is," Clough told the club's official website. "Obviously Sunderland want to see how their injuries are looking and how their squad is shaping up, so we will have the conversation and see what comes of it. But we are hopeful Ryan will get the green light."
With Sunderland still in the competition themselves, O'Neill may not want Noble to become cup-tied.
Should that be the case, Clough added: "Steven Davies is back fit now after three months out (with a fractured cheekbone) and with another reserve-team game to get his fitness up this week he will come into our thinking as well, especially with seven substitutes allowed in the FA Cup."
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Why wont we need him in the next round Blobby?
of course he will let him play that is what it is all about yes jonny i lost a good friend last week sir tom cowie i used to see him and speak to him regularly i live very near to him great gentleman will miss him very much
Go on Sunderland, let the lad play, it's not as if you're going to need him in the next round is it???
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