Cardiff vs Derby - Bumper crowd expected at Cardiff

Posted Friday, April 01, 2016 by PA

Cardiff are expecting a crowd of more than 20,000 for the visit of play-off rivals Derby.

But Bluebirds boss Russell Slade can only hope that a virus that hit the Cardiff camp earlier this week does not leave any lingering effects that could hamper team selection.

Matt Connolly and Fabio were players Slade required updates on, while goalkeeper David Marshall has resumed training following a recent bout of pneumonia and could be in the frame for the visit of the Rams.

Elsewhere, Wales international Tom Lawrence and the Republic of Ireland's Anthony Pilkington both suffered knocks while away with their countries on friendly duty, but both are expected to be available this weekend.

Jason Shackell and Jeff Hendrick have shaken off minor injuries to be fit in time for Derby.

Defender Shackell suffered a groin problem in the 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, while midfielder Hendrick returned early from international duty with the Republic of Ireland due to a shoulder complaint.

Both have returned to full training however, boosting boss Darren Wassall's resources for the trip.

Ireland duo Cyrus Christie and Richard Keogh and Scotland forward Chris Martin have all returned from international unscathed too.