Clough ponders Bryson dilemma
Derby are likely to rest Craig Bryson against Blackburn in their fourth-round FA Cup clash.
Bryson is nursing a stiff knee following his return to action against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The midfielder had been out for four matches with a knee problem and in the build-up to the east midlands derby, Rams boss Nigel Clough admitted the Scot needed a little more time to fully recover.
However, due to the importance of the fixture - and Bryson's importance to his team - Clough rushed back the 26-year-old, who managed 75 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Pride Park before he was replaced by Michael Jacobs.
Jacobs could replace Bryson in the starting line-up against Rovers, although Ben Davies is also an option for the fourth-round tie.
Clough, who will select from an unchanged squad, also has defenders Kieron Freeman and James O'Connor and forwards Theo Robinson and Mason Bennett available should he wish to make further changes to his team.
Blackburn manager Michael Appleton faces a selection headache at right-back.
Chelsea loanee Todd Kane is cup-tied, Adam Henley remains out with a hamstring problem and Bradley Orr is not due to return from his loan spell at Ipswich until next week - leaving Appleton without a specialist right-back.
Henley suffered his injury during the 2-0 win over Bristol City in the previous round, with midfielders Jason Lowe and Simon Vukcevic temporarily filling the void and either man could come into contention.
Josh King is back in training following a hamstring injury of his own, although Appleton may elect not to risk the former Manchester United forward.
Another wide option denied to the Rovers boss is Mauro Formica after the Argentinian completed a loan move to Serie A outfit Palermo until the end of the season.
Goalkeeper Paul Robinson (back), midfielder Dickson Etuhu and forward Leon Best (both knee) remain sidelined.
Source: PA
