Derby striker Chris Porter is edging closer to fitness following his hip operation.

The 24-year-old underwent surgery in the summer on the problem which has kept him out since March and is set to step up his recovery when he starts running this week.

Porter, who was manager Nigel Clough's first signing when he arrived in a £400,000 deal from SPL side Motherwell, remains on course for a return to action by the end of the month or early in December.

"Rob Hulse and Paul Dickov are our only two fit strikers at the moment," said Clough. "But Chris Porter starts running this week, James Vaughan is coming back from Everton in January if he is fit and Steve Davies is two or three weeks away.

"Add them to the mix along with some of the other players that are coming back from injury and we have a healthy squad."