Thomas, who has come through the youth ranks with the Rams, will stay at Meadow Lane for the next month after training with his new team-mates for the first time on Monday.

The 19-year-old becomes the second Derby youngster to make a temporary move to the Magpies after Brazilian winger Alefe Santos last week linked up with Shaun Derry’s men.

Nottingham-born Thomas was named Derby’s under-21 player of the year last season and made his first-team debut for the club as a second-half substitute in the Championship match at Leeds in November.