Billy Davies feels it could be mid-September before Giles Barnes is fit to play for Derby County.

The midfielder is currently recovering from a broken foot suffered in the play-off final win over West Brom in May.

He has not featured during The Rams' pre-season preparations and will also sit out the opening games of the Premier League campaign.

And Derby boss Davies believes it will be after the September international break before Barnes will be considered for a first-team return.

"Giles is still a number of weeks away as regards fitness," Davies told the Derby Evening Telegraph.

"First we will look to get the all-clear and then try to get him back to full fitness, which will take two or three weeks after that.

"We want to get him 100 per cent right, so he can perform to his best."

Meanwhile, Davies has confirmed former Manchester United youngster Jamie Mullan, who has been training with Derby, will not be offered a contract.

Davies said: "He's got quite sharp feet, but he's not for us at this time."