Nigel Clough says Chris Riggott could earn a deal at Derby as early as next week if he continues to impress.
Rams to decide on stopper early next week
Nigel Clough says defender Chris Riggott could earn a deal at Derby as early as next week if he continues to impress at Pride Park.
The 30-year-old is spending pre-season with the Rams in a bid to prove his fitness as he continues his rehabilitation from a back operation in April.
He played 45 minutes for Clough's side in Tuesday's 2-1 friendly defeat to Crewe Alexandra, scoring Derby's only goal.
Riggott, who began his career with the Rams back in 2000 after coming through the youth ranks, will be given more chances to impress, starting in another pre-season game against Exeter on Saturday.
And Clough says the stopper, who is currently a free agent after an injury-plagued stint at Cardiff, could be rewarded with a contract, depending on his fitness.
"We have an agreement saying we will look at it on August 1st," He told the
Derby Telegraph.
"That was to do with his back more than anything else. So if we are all happy and he has a medical and everything, then we will try to get something sorted."
Pleased
Riggott left Derby in 2003 for Middlesbrough, where he spent seven-and-a-half years, notching up 148 appearances.
Clough was pleased with his display at Crewe and is hopeful of him regaining complete fitness.
"I think 45 minutes was the absolute maximum for him," Clough added.
"He also got himself a goal. It is lovely for a centre-half to get a goal and he put it in well.
"Chris will gradually increase his match fitness. We will get him out there again Saturday, if he is fit, and also against Aston Villa next week.
"He will not be ready for the first game of the season. He will gradually build it up and we will see how we go from there."
