Derby will have Alan Stubbs fighting fit for pre-season after the defender underwent a knee operation on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old needed surgery to "wash out" his knee in order to protect the cartilage and clear up a niggling problem.

Stubbs will miss the Rams' final two games of the Premier League campaign but he has had the operation now to ensure he will be ready well in advance of 2008/09.

Boss Paul Jewell told www.dcfc.co.uk: "This is a proactive step by us to get Alan sorted out and in fighting condition for the start of pre-season on June 27.

"Having the operation now rather than waiting means that he will be ready for us when we need him."

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