Cardiff Star set to return

Kevin McNaughton yesterday came through an hour of the reserve team match and should now be fit for Saturday’s encounter with Derby County. The Scottish International suffered a small tear to his hamstring in the 4-0 win against Wolves and early indications were that he faced a long lay-off. It was unfortunate for McNaughton as he had just been recalled to the Scottish squad after a series of impressive performances. His injury meant that he missed the defeat of France and resulted in Dave Jones bringing in James Chambers on-loan from Watford as cover.

Chambers can now switch to his preferred right-back position in Kerrea Gilbert’s absence through suspension with McNaughton slotting in at left-back where he had played in every game until he was injured.

McNaughton’s recovery eases a selection headache for Jones who would prefer not to move Ledley or Scimeca from midfield whilst there is currently no like-for-like replacement as Chris Barker is on loan at Colchester United until January.

The reserve team game ended in a 2-2 draw, a good result for City against an experienced Coventry City side. Jamal Easter and Michael Corcoran scored the City goals while Scott Allison saved one penalty and saw another one go wide.