Derby County interim boss Liam Rosenior has some 'great' player news as he shares an update on defender James Chester's recovery from injury.

The Lowdown: Chester ruled out...

The former Stoke City defender, having signed for the Rams in July on a free transfer, put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the League One club but is yet to make a competitive appearance.

Chester comes with a plethora of top flight and international experience which could prove invaluable for Derby as they aim to fight their way back to England's second tier.

The 33-year-old has been unavailable for selection since succumbing to injury in pre-season, having suffered from tendinopathy in one of his Achilles tendons.

The Latest: Rosenior shares positive news...

Speaking to the press (via Derbyshire Live), Rosenior has now provided a positive update as Chester returns to the grass and resumes full training.

While the defender will still take a few weeks to be fully fit to play again, the Derby boss described the 33-year-old's training return as 'great' news.

Rosenior explained: "James is back training fully in the last few days, but because he got injured in pre-season, it’s going to take him a few weeks to get up to real speed.

"It’s great to have him in the group. I’m looking at my tactics board with the names on and it’s getting harder and harder to pick a team. That’s what I’ve wanted, it’s the first time in years that I’ve got this problem, if you want to call it that, where I’ve got players who expect to play or be on the bench, whereas before there wasn’t that competition.

"That’s really healthy for us a group because it means players know that if they don’t perform, they’ve got someone ready to come in and take their shirt off them."

The Verdict: Positive...

Chester's comeback to full training is one major step on his road to recovery, and Derby supporters could be happy that his full debut could be mere weeks away.

The defender could be real asset for Rosenior, especially going by his consistency.

Chester averaged a solid 6.95/10 match rating per 90 throughout his career at both international and club level, with the ex-Aston Villa defender coming as just the experienced centre-back figurehead who is needed amid months of uncertainty at Pride Park.