Paul Jewell is not expecting to see Giles Barnes in a Derby County shirt again this season.

The 19-year-old has been sidelined by a knee injury picked up in training and looks set to be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Derby are seeking further clarification over the exact nature of Barnes's injury but Jewell won't be rushing him back.

"It is a bad blow for the lad but hopefully with the rehabilitation he will be back sooner rather than later," Jewell said.

"Obviously this season has been a disaster for us as far as staying up is concerned so it wouldn't make sense to rush anyone back with next season in mind."

Barnes's campaign was hit by injury before it even started when he picked up a stress fracture of the foot in May's play-off final win at Wembley.

The Academy product made his first Premier League appearance as a substitute in September's 5-0 defeat at Arsenal and has scored twice in 24 outings.

He is the fourth Derby player to see his season end prematurely following absences for loanee Danny Mills, and defenders Tyrone Mears and Claude Davis.

Jewell added: "Claude's operation was very successful but from the date of that to training again is four months, so he'll be fine for pre-season in June.

"Tye is making more progress because he has been running, and come pre-season they'll both hopefully be starting."

Jewell also confirmed that he is hoping for Dean Leacock to return to training later this week after a hip injury.

And midfielder Benny Feilhaber has headed out with the USA U23 training squad ahead of their qualifying fixtures for the 2008 Olympic Games.

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