Defender forced to quit after injury

Derby have been dealt a blow as centre-half Alan Stubbs has been forced to call time on his career because of knee trouble.

After 551 starts, 45 substitute appearances and 27 goals, the former Bolton, Everton, Celtic and Sunderland man has been forced to call it a day after suffering a recurrence of the knee injury which ended his season last time out and then required surgery in the summer.

The 36-year-old has twice battled back from testicular cancer in his career but has bowed out after scans revealed a recurrence of the problem.

Stubbs left Everton and moved to Pride Park on an 18-month deal on the last day of this year's January transfer window after making 142 appearances for the Toffees.