Derby County boss Nigel Pearson has reportedly been suspended by the club, pending an internal investigation.

The 53-year-old met with Rams owner and chairman Mel Morris at the club's training ground on Monday afternoon following a disappointing start to the season which has seen the club win just one of their opening nine games.

News of the suspension broke just hours before Derby's Championship clash with Cardiff City, and the club have confirmed that assistant boss Chris Powell will take the reins in South Wales.

"Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight's game - at the request of the club," club spokesman Paul Tyrrell said in a statement.

"Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for tonight's Sky Bet Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time."

Derby's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers on Saturday saw the club drop into the relegation zone, although victory over Cardiff this evening would see them leapfrog the Bluebirds and climb out of the bottom three.