Derby County vs Barnsley - Derby could welcome back Darren Bent for Barnsley visit

Derby's joint-leading scorer Darren Bent could be back in the Rams squad for the visit of Barnsley.

The 12-goal striker missed the defeat at Blackburn in midweek with a groin injury. He trained with the club's physios on Thursday and will train again on Friday, in the hope that he suffers no reaction and can be involved against the Tykes.

However, central defenders Richard Keogh (calf) and Jason Shackell (back) will remain on the sidelines.

Derby's play-off hopes have faded after four defeats in a six-match winless run in the Championship has left them 10 points adrift of sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Barnsley head coach Paul Heckingbottom is expected to choose from an unchanged squad.

Heckingbottom has no major new injury or suspension worries following last week's home draw against Huddersfield.

Striker Tom Bradshaw, winger Adam Hammill and midfielder George Moncur are all in contention to return to the starting line-up.

Defender Aidy White, winger Saidy Janko and midfielder Sessi D'Almeida remain sidelined as the Reds bid to extend their unbeaten league run on the road to four matches.