County duo face fitness race

Derby are working hard to get Craig Bryson and Gareth Roberts fit ahead of the visiting in form Leeds side this weekend.

Last Updated: 03/12/12 at 13:48 Post Comment   

Nigel Clough: Sweating on duo's fitness

Nigel Clough: Sweating on duo's fitness

Manager Specials

So who will replace David Moyes as manager of Everton after his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor at Manchester United? Wigan's Robert Martinez heads the betting. Check out the latest odds

Both players missed the 4-1 defeat by East Midlands rivals Leicester at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.

Bryson was absent with a knee injury sustained in the home draw with Cardiff, while Roberts limped off in the same game with a calf problem.

It was only the second match Bryson has missed this season. The Scottish midfielder sat out the 3-0 Championship defeat at Peterborough in October.

"He will do everything he can and we will do everything we can to get him right for Leeds," said Rams manager Nigel Clough after the Leicester loss.

"We miss him when he doesn't play. We miss his energy, his closing down and him getting a tackle in. He has missed two games, against Leicester and Peterborough, and we have lost them both by a three-goal margin."

Roberts is less likely to make it in time for the Leeds game. The 34-year-old's left-back slot against Leicester was filled by James O'Connor.

Clough added: "We missed Craig Bryson but I thought we missed Gareth Roberts more, and we'll have to see what happens with his this week.

"Jimmy O'Connor struggled at times at left-back. Right-back or centre-half is Jimmy's position, so we were asking him to play out of position."

Derby forward Jamie Ward, meanwhile, has had an injection to try and aid his recovery from a troublesome hamstring injury.

Ward has missed the Rams' last 11 matches since sustaining the problem during the 1-0 win over east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest at the City Ground at the end of September.

Clough said: "We'll see how the hamstring settles down following the injection. It's just time and patience with Jamie.

"His chances of being ready for Saturday? It depends how the hamstring settles down this week."

TEAMtalk Facebook Fan Page

The TEAMtalk fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

A

nd nothing of value was lost.

ahx00
Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

S

anity1892 Yes I probably should... But everytime I go back and read Almunia for England I just lose bladder control.

sir danne
The Busy Gossip

P

erfect replacement for Carragher. Slow, average when he was at his best, now well past it. Would just slot straight in! :)

rez plus
Liverpool eye Kolo move - Report

Footer 365

Pulis' Stoke exit confirmed

Stoke have confirmed the end of Tony Pulis' seven-year reign as manager, announcing that the parting of ways has been "mutually agreed".

Hammers hoping Carroll commits

West Ham's chances of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after a fee was agreed with Liverpool.

Transfer news: Carlton Cole confirms West Ham departure

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has confirmed he is leaving Upton Park after seven years with the club.

Mail Box

Mourinho Isn't Short-Term, Football Is

There's more in the afternoon Mailbox about Jose Mourinho and his potential return to Chelsea, while there's also a link to some pictures of eagles that look like Arsene Wenger...

Should Chelsea Be Worried About Jose Return?

After a disappointing end to his three years at Real Madrid, could Jose Mourinho struggle to bring immediate success if he completes his anticipated return to Chelsea?

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved