Rams boss says defender Barker is showing his value
Derby splashed out £900,000 to capture Barker from Blackpool and he made a slow and at times nervous start to his Rams career.
A thigh injury suffered in pre-season did not help the 27-year-old but he has started the last eight games to take his tally to 10 starts in 12 appearances.
Clough was pleased with Barker's performance against Coventry and sees signs that the player is starting to settle.
"I thought Shaun played very well," said Clough.
"That is the best he has headed the ball for us.
"Not in the first 15 or 20 minutes, when I thought him and Dean Leacock were not quite at it, but as the game went on Shaun headed magnificently.
"He attacked the ball at the back and when he went forward for set-pieces.
"We were disappointed with him at Ipswich for their goal. We don't care how many bodies were in the area, it is his job to get those bodies out of the way and head the ball. That is his job.
"He did that against Coventry but didn't do it at Ipswich.
"Shaun is still settling in. How many games as he played? Ten or so?
"It is still very early days. He and Dean Leacock will be fine."
Barker and Leacock are recognised as Derby's first-choice pairing at centre back but they have started only five games together and are still forming a partnership.
Two of the five matches ended in victories over Bristol City and Coventry and they helped the Rams to a goalless draw against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium.
The two defeats were at Cardiff and Middlesbrough, although Leacock limped off after half an hour at Cardiff.
Miles Addison, who can play centre-half or in central midfield, is back in contention after missing six games with a foot injury and defender Jake Buxton could be available again after the international break.
Buxton underwent a hernia operation and then picked up a groin strain.
Clough says Buxton and Addison have been missed.
"They will vie for places," added Clough. "We have missed Jake Buxton because he gives his all.
"He played the first five League games of the season and we won two and drew one.
"We have missed Jake and Miles – we have missed all the players who have been out."
settling in: Derby County defender Shaun Barker is looking more at ease at the back.
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