Derby manager Paul Jewell has been boosted by the news that West Brom target Giles Barnes does not require a second knee operation.The 19-year-old midfielder saw his Premier League campaign curtailed by injury in February and went under the knife of acclaimed surgeon Dr Richard Steadman in America in a bid to cure the problem.

It was thought Barnes would be out until October, but following his latest assessment the forward should make an earlier-than-expected comeback as Derby bid to return to the top flight at the first attempt.

The news may also be of interest to Baggies boss Tony Mowbray, as he is believed to see Barnes as a possible replacement for Zoltan Gera, who has joined Fulham, on Albion's right flank.

"We have had some very good news with Giles. He went over to America at the weekend and he doesn't need another operation," Jewell told the club's official website. "It is as good an item of news as we could have hoped for.

"We thought he might have to have another minor operation, as did the surgeon, but he has made good progress. That is great credit to Giles, who has worked hard, and also the medical staff here at the club.

"Giles is now coming back to this country to start his rehabilitation and to try to get fit. We are not putting a timescale on this but it is really good news for Giles and really good news for us."

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