Derby manager Billy Davies hopes to give Scotland striker Kenny Miller a debut against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday.
The Rams were trounced 6-0 by table-toppers Liverpool in their last outing but Miller, who has been out with a hamstring injury since signing from Celtic on deadline day, could play some part in place of Craig Fagan who starts a four-game ban for stamping on Xabi Alonso.
Defender Dean Leacock (toe) has also rejoined training this week and will be looking to earn a recall, while midfielder David Jones and American winger Eddie Lewis are also close to match sharpness.
Teenager Giles Barnes is still two weeks away from a comeback as he recovers from a foot injury and Darren Moore is doubtful with a knee problem.
Provisional squad: Bywater, Griffin, Moore, Malcolm, Teale, Davis, Camara, McEveley, Todd, Oakley, Mears, Pearson, Howard, Price, Earnshaw, Miller, Jones, Leacock, Lewis.
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