CHRIS Riggott is on the verge of signing a one-year contract at Derby County.
The 30-year-old central defender was last night undergoing a medical at the club’s Moor Farm training ground.
He has been treated by the Rams for a back injury since the spring and proved he is on the comeback trail in preseason.
Derby boss Nigel Clough needs another centre-half as Shaun Barker is still recovering from knee surgery while Russell Anderson is out with a groin strain.
The 32-year-old Scotsman has gone for scan on his groin, with the club’s coaching staff hoping he has not torn the muscle — an injury which ruled him out for five months last season.
Coach Andy Garner said: “The injuries are unbelievable really. Nathan Tyson’s injury pushed us over the edge as he was looking sharp and he’s out until after the international break.
“Then Russell Anderson hurts his groin. It’s one of those things you can’t put your finger on — we’re just getting injuries.” The Rams take on Shrewsbury Town at Pride Park tonight, kick-off 7.45pm, with a squad well short because of injuries and international call-ups.
Jeff Hendrick is away with the Republic of Ireland under-21s, while Jamie Ward is set to play for Northern Ireland against the Faroe Islands tomorrow.
While Stephen Pearson (buttock) and Gareth Roberts (dead leg) return, Clough is without Barker, Anderson, Jake Buxton (groin), Dean Leacock (ill), Paul Green (knee), Conor Doyle (ankle), Dave Martin (thigh), Tyson (groin) and Saul Deeney (shoulder).
Despite the injuries, Garner has promised a first-choice XI will be picked to face the League Two outfit tonight.
He said: “It’ll be a strong side, no doubt about that. It’s a cup game. We’ve not done very well in the cups and we want to get into the next round.
“It wasn’t very nice going out last season — we don’t want to get beaten by anybody.
“It’s important we have a good cup run and it’s about time we did.
“We’ll make sure the players are on it.
“Shrewsbury had a great season last season and they’re no mugs.
“They’ll look forward to coming to Pride Park and getting on our pitch.
“What have they got to lose? They’re going to come here and enjoy it.” To make sure no further injuries were picked up — and to rest aching bodies after Saturday’s 2-1 win over Birmingham City — Garner revealed the players only did light training yesterday.
The squad went for a walk around the picturesque Elvaston Castle to stretch their legs.
Garner said: “We had a light morning and just went for a little walk. It was optional for some of them if they wanted to do a little bit of training afterwards. We need to watch what we do. It was a nice walk and there’s nothing wrong with doing that at all.”
