Barnes had a loan spell at Fulham last season

West Bromwich Albion have signed former Derby County midfielder Giles Barnes on an 18-month contract.

The versatile 21-year-old, who had been training with the Baggies, was released by the Rams in December.

Barnes is looking to rebuild his career after a succession of injuries and has not played competitively for a year.

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo told his club's website: "Giles has had injury problems over the past couple of seasons but has undoubted ability."

The Baggies will have an option of extending Barnes' contract by a further 12 months depending on his progress.

Barnes, who can play in a variety of attacking roles, has been undergoing a rehabilitation programme since arriving at The Hawthorns as he tries to build up his fitness following his latest injury, a ruptured Achilles suffered in a pre-season friendly for Derby against Stoke in August.

Di Matteo added: "We've seen encouraging signs to offer him this deal, which has been structured to suit all parties.

"There is no question that if Giles can get his career back on track, we'll have a very talented player on our hands."

Barnes, who spent a spell on loan at Fulham last season without making a first-team appearance, began his career as a trainee at Derby and made 82 league appearances for the East Midlands club.

His injury problems began with a broken foot suffered in the Rams' Championship play-off final victory over West Brom in 2007.

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