Boertien 'gutted' by injury blow

Derby's Paul Boertien has been ruled out of action with another knee injury.

A "gutted" Paul Boertien has been told that he will miss even more action after being ruled out with another knee injury.

The Derby defender recently returned from 28 months out following cruciate ligament and cartilage surgery, but suffered another injury in The Rams' Boxing Day defeat to Wolves.

"We're taking each day as it comes," said the 27-year-old, "but the knee has felt a lot easier in the last couple of days and I'm hoping it's not a bad one.

"Even if I'm only out for a few weeks, it's still a blow and I'm gutted because I felt I was just reaching peak fitness again."

Boertien has made ten appearances for Billy Davies' side this season in their quest for promotion.