Graeme Shinnie could return to the Derby County squad for Friday night’s Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round clash at Sky Bet League 2 side Northampton Town (8pm kick-off).


The midfielder has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring injury in mid-November.

The 28-year-old resumed full training with Derby’s squad last week manager Phillip Cocu has indicated the Scotland international could return to the fold against the Cobblers.

Cocu admitted last week that Shinnie would need time to regain his sharpness after two months on the sidelines.

Shinnie had started seven successive games after breaking into the Rams’ side in October following a period of waiting patiently for his chance to impress in the early weeks of the campaign.


Speaking after Derby’s win 1-0 over Hull City at the weekend, Cocu said: “Graeme Shinnie trained for three days last week and it is possible he will be part of the team at Northampton.

“It is looking good and he feels good too, with no pain or anything like that, so it is a possibility.”

Shinnie, who joined Derby from Aberdeen in Scotland last summer, has made nine appearances in all competitions so far this season.