Derby County midfielder Paul Coutts has been ruled out of action for up to five months with a dislocated knee.

The 25-year-old will undergo surgery later today after suffering the problem during last night's defeat to Leicester City in the Capital One Cup.

"It is a big blow for him and for us," manager Nigel Clough told the Derby Telegraph. "He was knocking on the door to get back in the side."

Coutts joined Derby from Preston North End on a three-year deal last summer.