Monday 2 March 2015 11:35, UK
Derby defender Shaun Barker is set to continue his return from injury with a run out for the Sheffield United development side.
Barker, sidelined for the past three years with a serious knee injury, has been given permission to play in a couple of trial matches for the League One club, who are managed by former Rams boss Nigel Clough. The 32-year-old will make his first appearance for the Blades on Monday afternoon against Nottingham Forest at the Reds' Nigel Doughty Academy. Barker made his long-awaited comeback last month when he played 45 minutes for Derby's Under-21 team against Doncaster but he has not featured since. "Derby are set to utilise the ability to field three over-age outfield players in the coming weeks for players either on the fringes of the first-team squad or returning from injury, so the opportunity for Barker would be limited with the Rams," said a statement on the club's official website. "In the event that the games go well at Sheffield United, he is likely to have the opportunity to feature in trial matches at other clubs in the coming months to progress his rehabilitation."
