Derby County take duo on trial

Kalifa Cisse and Simon Dawkins have joined Derby County on trial.

Mali international Cisse is currently a free agent after leaving MLS side New England Revolution earlier this year, while Tottenham Hotspur forward Dawkins is seeking regular first-team football.

Derby announced on their official website that the pair took part in training for the first time this morning and that new manager Steve McClaren will assess them over the next week to determine whether they will be offered a contract.

The Rams also tweeted pictures of club captain Shaun Barker continuing his comeback from a long-term injury. The 31-year-old did not feature at all last season because of a serious knee problem, but is hoping to make his comeback soon.

Here's another image of @barks5 continuing his comeback from injury at this morning's training session #Skipper pic.twitter.com/6kSmfYtoKf

— Derby County (@dcfcofficial) October 14, 2013