Derby vs Cardiff (team news)

Cardiff City centre-back Glenn Loovens is out of Saturday's clash with Derby County. The Dutch defender limped off with an ankle injury during the second half of the Southampton game and could not put any weight on his foot after the game. Initial x-rays have revealed no lasting damage but Loovens will sit out this and probably the Sunderland game.

Captain Darren Purse is returned to fitness after a back problem, he missed 6 weeks of games and has played an hour in two reserve team games. He was not selected on the bench against Southampton amid doubts over his match fitness. Either he, or Kevin McNaughton will play at centre-back. Chris Gunter would play at right-back.


Big centre forward Steve Thompson should be restored to the starting line up after being dropped fro a lack of form and goals. He came off the bench to score and his presence was missed up front as well as his ability to hold the ball up away from home.



For Derby County, midfielder Stephen Pearson is unavailable with a foot injury so on-loan Tractor Boy Darren Currie may play. Matt Oakley will again partner the dangerous David Jones in central midfield.

The Rams also have injury doubts over left-back Paul Boertien, and centre-back Michael Johnson who could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring tear but Richard Jackson could be back to partner Dean Leacock in the heart of the defence.

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