Stubbs sent for surgery

Stubbs: Will miss Derby's last two games

Related links

Teams

• Derby County

Also see

• Derby fixtures
• Derby stats
• Derby forum

Derby boss Paul Jewell expects Alan Stubbs to be fit for pre-season after the defender underwent surgery on Wednesday.

The veteran defender has been troubled by a niggling knee problem since joining The Rams from Everton in the January transfer window.

Jewell decided this week that the best course of action was to send Stubbs for an operation to 'wash out' his knee and protect the cartilage.

The 36-year-old will miss Derby's last two Premier League games but Jewell has assured supporters that he will be ready for the start of their Championship campaign this summer.

"This is a proactive step by us to get Alan sorted out and in fighting condition for the start of pre-season on 27th June," Jewell told the club's official website.

"Having the operation now rather than waiting means that he will be ready for us when we need him."

Meanwhile, Derby have finalised the details of an agreement with Dutch side Utrecht which will see players and coaches get experience of football in Holland.

Opportunity

The link, initially for two years, will allow both clubs to exchange ideas on a football and commercial basis.

"For us it is a great opportunity to tap into the experience and knowledge available in Dutch football," said Rams chairman of football Adam Pearson.

"They are world-renowned for their technical expertise in coaching and training, particularly with younger players.

"We will be getting our coaches over there and getting our younger players from the academy over there as that will be a great experience for them."