Chesterfield vs Bristol City preview - Hird set for Spireites return

Posted Friday, April 24, 2015 by PA

Sam Hird is expected to return to the Chesterfield squad against League One champions Bristol City.

A slight thigh strain saw Hird miss the goalless draw at Oldham, where Charlie Raglan stepped in to partner Ian Evatt in central defence. Blues boss Paul Cook must decide whether to stick with youngster Raglan or, as is most likely, restore Hird to his starting line-up.

Full-back Drew Talbot (hamstring) remains unavailable to Cook, whose side can seal a play-off spot with victory on Saturday. A top-six finish will also be confirmed if Rochdale do not win their home game against automatic promotion hopefuls MK Dons, regardless of what the Spireites do.

The likes of Gboly Ariyibi, Armand Gnanduillet, Ritchie Humphreys, Ollie Banks and Byron Harrison are all pushing for recalls.

Steve Cotterill says he will not rest players when City play out their penultimate match of a memorable season.

The Robins clinched the title last weekend to make it 14 games unbeaten and their manager says he will not approach these two dead rubber League One clashes any differently as they prepare for life in the second tier.

Cotterill did, however, reveal that one unnamed player has not trained all week and is a major doubt for the trip.

City last tasted defeat on February 21 and could end the season as they started it, with a 16-match unbeaten run.