DERBY County defender Miles Addison has begun jogging as he continues his recovery from a serious foot injury.
The 21-year-old centre-half has been sidelined since March after surgery in the United States to remedy a long-standing problem with his navicular bone.
Addison was told to expect a year out following the operation and Rams boss Nigel Clough has ruled him out until the start of next season — and insists that the promising young stopper, who can also play in midfield, will not be hurried back.
He said: “We said right from the start that Miles’ recovery will take as long as it takes.
“He is doing aerobic fitness work and gym work, as well as swimming and slow jogging - anything but actually pounding on his foot.
“It is about everybody being patient because we don’t want to rush him.
“The surgeon is pleased with the way things have gone.
“Miles was checked on recently by the specialists and they said if everything continues to progress well then he might not be out for the full season.
“But it’s important we don’t rush him and that is why we ruled him out for the season.
“Anything other than that will be a bonus.
“There is no pressure on him to return because we have to get it right so he’s got another 10 or 12 years as a player ahead of him.” Addison, who was brought into the first-team by previous manager Paul Jewell, had been suffering pain in his foot for a year before the operation and last pulled on a Derby shirt in January in the FA Cup tie against Millwall at Pride Park.
Meanwhile, Kris Commons has stated his desire for a new contract at Pride Park.
The talented forward is in the final year of a three-year deal with the Rams - and wants to stay longer.
He said: “Of course I want to stay, without a doubt. I’d like to think that something will be sorted by the end of the season.
“This is exactly the same position as I was in at Forest, wanting to stay, wanting a new contract that never came, and then you get put in the position that you have to start looking elsewhere.
“But I don’t want to even have to start looking elsewhere, I’m hoping Derby will come up with the goods and I can have it wrapped up by New Year.” Commons, 26, is in a makeor- break season with the Rams after making just 13 starts in all competitions last season.
In all, he has made 73 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals, since arriving on a free transfer from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2008.
Commons has been troubled by frequent injuries, including a niggling hamstring complaint which badly affected him last season
