It never rains but it pours, even when the sun comes out. Derby County suffered a double blow yesterday as Roy Carroll’s move from Rangers broke down again, despite the goalkeeper buying out his contract with the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League leaders, and Danny Mills prepared to return to Manchester City as he requires a knee operation that will rule him out for the rest of this season.

Adam Pearson, the chairman, was last night ascertaining whether the defender’s loan deal, due to run until June, could be cancelled. That would allow Paul Jewell, the manager, to make another domestic loan signing should he so wish.

Carroll was in Derby yesterday when it was prematurely announced that the former West Ham United, Manchester United and Wigan Athletic goalkeeper had signed until the end of the season. “It’s very frustrating,” Jewell said, “and a bit embarrassing for us. Roy had Rangers’ word that he could leave – but then when he gets down here, his registration hasn’t been signed off.

“I’m led to believe he’s bought out his own contract and, having spoken regularly to Roy since we were given permission, he’s desperately keen to come here and do well. I’m still hoping it can get sorted out.”

At least Jewell should have four of his new signings available again for tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round home game with Preston North End. Robbie Savage, Hossam Ghaly, Emanuel Villa and Laurent Robert were all ineligible for Tuesday’s replay triumph over Sheffield Wednesday, but Mile Sterjo-vski, signed from Gençlerbirligi, will not receive international clearance in time to make his debut tomorrow. Craig Fagan is suspended. Mills will also miss out as he undergoes surgery just three games into his Derby career.