Defensive worry for boss

DerbyDerby boss Paul Jewell will give a late fitness test to centre-half Dean Leacock ahead of the clash with Reading.

The stopper picked up a groin strain in the Carling Cup win at Brighton on Tuesday and remains a doubt for the clash with the Royals.

On the plus front for Jewell he will have Martin Albrechtsen available as he has shaken off a hamstring injury which has kept him out for the last two games.

Despite a run which has seen them lose just once in the last 12 matches Jewell is well aware that Reading are very strong and one of the most fancied teams in the division. And he knows the Rams will have to be at their best to get anything from the match.

He said: "I think Reading are the best team in the league," said Jewell.

"They have power, pace and desire, and we are going to have to be at our best.



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