Buxton's return is a welcome boost for boss Clough
Buxton had his first taste of pre-season action last night only four weeks after undergoing surgery on his groin.
The centre-back played 21 minutes as a substitute in the 3-1 victory over Burton Albion in the Bass Charity Vase final at the Pirelli Stadium.
He will now look to step up his fitness with a run-out against Solihull Moors tomorrow night and Belper Town on Tuesday.
Buxton's return is welcome news for the Rams who are set to be without key defender Shaun Barker for the opening League game against Leeds United at Elland Road on August 7.
Barker has yet to feature in the pre-season games as he continues his recovery from the knee operation he had in May.
The centre-back pairing of Dean Leacock and Russell Anderson earned praise from manager Nigel Clough for their performance in Tuesday's victory over Stoke City and they look set to face Leeds.
If Buxton continues to progress, he could be on the bench on the opening day.
Buxton made 24 appearances in his first season with the Rams after signing from Burton Albion but he was also hindered by groin and stomach problems.
Scans failed to fully diagnose his injury and left him sidelined for months but a visit to see a specialist in London and further scans found the problem.
Buxton is relieved to be on the mend and back on the pitch.
"No matter how much work you do in training and in the gym, it's when you get out on the pitch that matters," he said.
"I know it was the Bass Vase but it was one of the biggest games I have had for a long time after my injury.
"Everything has gone well so far and I'll keep going.
"I know we are a bit light on numbers at centre-half and that is making me push myself a bit quicker but my main focus is to be physically fit and available for the first game of the season."
Buxton played an important role last season despite his injury.
He and Barker played at the heart of the defence during the Rams' best run of form in January and February when they beat Peterborough United, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Preston in the League, and Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup.
