Double blow for clash with Owls

Long begins a three-match ban after he was sent off at Derby last weekend while Howard is starting a six-week lay-off after breaking his jaw in the 2-1 defeat at Pride Park. Kalifa Cisse, Brynjar Gunnarsson and Jem Karacan are all in the running to replace the stricken Howard in midfield. Gylfi Sigurdsson signed a new contract this week and after scoring in the last two games will keep his place. Noel Hunt remains out for the foreseeable future with a knee problem but left-back Chris Armstrong is close to a return to fitness after a knee injury of his own.