Banned Ward sits it out

24 April 2011 20:00
Derby will be without in-form striker Jamie Ward for their Easter Monday trip to promotion-chasing Norwich. Ward has proved a big hit at Pride Park since joining in February - scoring four goals - but will miss the next two games through suspension after being shown a straight red card against Burnley on Saturday. That blow could be tempered by the news that Gareth Roberts may return to the fold after missing out against the Clarets through illness. Should he be passed fit, Roberts looks certain to be recalled to manager Nigel Clough's starting XI, meaning Russell Anderson will make way. This game will prove Shaun Barker's final act of the campaign, with the midfielder set to undergo knee surgery later this week. Dean Leacock is struggling through illness and will be assessed, but Paul Green (knee), Chris Porter (hamstring), Jake Buxton (groin), Tomasz Cywka (thigh) and Saul Deeney (shoulder) remain sidelined.

Source: PA