Interim Derby County manager Wayne Rooney has admitted that it is unlikely attacker Tom Lawrence will be fit to face Birmingham City at St Andrew's on Tuesday evening.

Having suffered an ankle injury in the Rams' draw with Stoke City two weeks ago, Lawrence was absent from Derby's win over Swansea the following midweek.

Lawrence again missed out on a place in the matchday squad on Boxing Day, as Alan Browne's 96th minute goal secured a 1-0 win for Preston at Pride Park to end Derby's seven game unbeaten run, and it seems the attacker could be a doubt again in midweek.

Providing an update on Lawrence's fitness following that defeat to Preston, Rooney revealed that he does expect the Welshman to be available for the game in midweek.

However, it seems Lawrence will be given a chance to earn his place in the side for that game, with Rooney explaining that the 26-year-old will be assessed ahead of the game.

So far this season, Lawrence has made 13 Championship appearances for Derby, although he has yet to find the net or provide an assist for the Rams, who remain rooted in the relegation zone, on goal difference.

The Verdict

This new on Lawrence will no doubt be frustrating from a Derby perspective.

It's a busy period for clubs at the minute, so Derby could certainly have benefitted from having an extra option available to call upon in Lawrence.

Indeed, the Welshman's ability to create things that he has shown in the past could certainly have be useful for Derby against a rather defensive Birmingham side.

With that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that it seems Derby are keen to give Lawrence the chance to prove his fitness ahead of that game.