Nigel Clough hopes to see Stephen Pearson resume training in the next fortnight.

Pearson has been sidelined undergoing knee surgery at the start of May.

After establishing himself as a virtual ever-present last season under Nigel Clough he signed a new contract before Christmas with the Rams.

Pearson turns 28 in October and Clough is relishing the prospect of being able to call upon the services of the former Celtic midfielder.

"We're looking at seeing Stephen back training within the next two weeks," said Clough.

"He is a naturally fit lad so we're pretty confident he won't take too long to get up to speed.

"We believe he will fit into our system very well as one of the attacking midfield trio.

"We're quite excited at the prospect of seeing him returning.

"Stephen has felt some aching in his knee, but that is to be expected at this stage."

"We're looking at the next fortnight to see him back in training, so we may see him out of the pitch before the month is out."

Pearson is currently working in the latter stages of his rehabilitation programme and has been running for the last few weeks.