Derby manager Billy Davies has admitted there will come a time when the club will sell star midfielder Giles Barnes, but is currently concentrating on getting the youngster fit enough to prove himself in the top flight.

Barnes, 19, produced some eye-catching performances as the Rams earned promotion from the second tier via the play-offs last season and was reportedly a £5m target for the likes of West Ham and Tottenham in the summer,

But a foot injury sustained in the play-off final against West Brom has thus far kept to prodigy on the sidelines this term.

And although Davies concedes the time will come when selling the England Under-19 will become necessary, his primary focus is on restoring him to the Rams' first XI and getting some points on the board.

Tonight's Premier League clash with Newcastle at Pride Park will come too soon for Barnes but he is back in full training and should be ready within a fortnight.

Davies said: ''Obviously Giles coming back is like a huge signing for us, without a doubt.

''He will add more fire power to our side. We're trying to get this young lad, in particular, in our side and keep him here for a number of years and continue his progress.''

He added: ''We've got to try and build on this squad and we don't want to lose anyone but there comes a point in time where a certain figure is offered and that stops all bets.

''That happens right across the world in every single club in every single league.

''Then, hopefully, there'll be a time for Giles Barnes and Derby County to part company and we'll move on to the next chapter of our lives.''

Another player Davies is eager to see pulling on a Derby shirt is deadline-day capture Kenny Miller.

The Scotland striker signed from Celtic for around £3m shortly before the transfer window closed but he has been unable to play due to a hamstring injury.

Davies said: ''It was important to make that type of signing before the window shut. With his energy, his attitude and his goalscoring record he's a huge signing.

''Getting those two (Miller and Barnes) into this team will be of great benefit. We do have a great lot of work to do with the team and that will be helped by these new players coming in.''

Unlike Barnes, Miller could play some part against Newcastle. And Davies believes the 27 year-old's signing was essential if they are to survive this term.

''That's the Premier League for you,'' he said. ''You have to spend money to compete and you have to have the right tools to compete.

''The next transfer window will also be very important. We have to add to the squad and spend money. The first transfer window was always going to be difficult for us as a new side in the division, but I certainly won't be panicking.''