DERBY County want to extend the loan of Fredrik Stoor, providing the Swedish defender can shake of an ankle injury.

Stoor (left) will miss tonight's game against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium after badly twisting his ankle in Saturday's draw at Leicester.

The 25-year-old right-back, who has helped the Rams keep consecutive clean sheets, is also doubtful for Saturday's home clash with Queens Park Rangers. His initial one-month loan from Fulham expires after the QPR game.

"So long as Freddie is going to be fit a week after that, we'll look to extend the loan because he's settled in and done very well indeed," said manager Nigel Clough.

"But if he's not going to be fit, there's no point in doing that.

"We'd then try to pick it up after the international break in November.

"Freddie looks very comfortable on the ball and he's quick. We needed a little bit more pace in the side and even at right-back, it helps.

"I think he's improved as each game has gone on. His ankle has reduced in size since Saturday. It was badly swollen after the game."

After QPR, the Rams are away at Ipswich and at home to Coventry City before the next international break.

"It just depends on how quickly Freddie recovers because there are only two games after Saturday," said Clough.

"So if he is going to be fit for those, we will extend the loan. If he is going to be doubtful, then there will not be much point."

Derby are still searching the loan market and Clough has revealed that calls have been made about bringing players in on loan with a view to a permanent deal in the January transfer window.

"We have a few targets for January and if there is any way we can bring them in now, initially on loan, then it would give them two months to settle. That is something we would like to do," said Clough.

"A few phone calls have gone in, so we'll have to wait and see."

Clough confirmed that Derby have asked about Ipswich forward Jon Stead (left).

"I don't think there is any movement in that direction at the moment," added Clough.

Stead, 26, scored three goals in 17 appearances in a three-month loan spell with the Rams in 2006.

Derby still have a long list of injured players, including Paul Green, Stephen Pearson, Miles Addison, Steve Davies, Chris Porter and James Vaughan.

"It is the second half of the season when we are looking to get everyone fit," said Clough.

"With Porter, Green, Vaughan, Davies and a couple of signings on top, then we will be a different team."