Dean Leacock is a confirmed absentee from Sunday's game with Reading and faces a hernia operation next week.

The 23-year-old defender will go under the surgeon's knife to give him time to recover ahead of the 2008/09 Coca-Cola Championship campaign.

Leacock also missed out on the defeats to Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers during April.

His fellow defender Jay McEveley is doubtful with a hamstring problem, but David Jones is clear to face the Royals after an ankle injury.

We are Derby - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!