Ozoh's injury absence "frustrating" - Warne

David Ozoh made nine Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace last seasona

Derby County head coach Paul Warne has said midfielder David Ozoh's absence due to injury has left him frustrated ahead of his side's trip to Burnley on Tuesday.

Ozoh, 19, joined the Rams on a season-long loan from Crystal Palace this summer but has missed the last 14 league matches since hobbling off with a hamstring injury in the 1-0 win over Cardiff City three months ago.

And with Tuesday's match coming too soon for Ozoh to return to first-team action, Warne has made it no secret he has been left disappointed by the midfielder's continued absence.

"A couple of weeks ago, it felt like we were getting close, but he just isn't comfortable with where he's at," the 51-year-old told BBC Radio Derby.

"He isn't as close to the team as I was led to believe a couple of weeks ago - we're just a bit further behind the curve which is disappointing."

Ozoh impressed for the Rams at the beginning of the season, being a key part of the side which won three of their first five Championship fixtures.

Since then, Derby have won just two of their last 14 without the teenager, but an under-pressure Warne is adamant Ozoh won't be rushed back to the team until he's fully fit.

"If he's exposed to high speed, he just doesn't feel right so we have to manage it carefully," Warne said.

"Everyone is trying so hard to get him back but we've got to get him back right - there's no point in him playing 60 minutes and dropping out and I don't see him for three months.

"It's frustrating for everybody."