Evans plots Shrimps downfall

Evans plots Shrimps downfall

Published Apr. 5, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET

Derby will check on Jamie Ward and Craig Bryson ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Ipswich at Pride Park.

Ward, who netted his 12th goal of an injury-interrupted season during the 3-0 home win over Bristol City last Friday, missed Monday's victory over Leeds with a tight hamstring while Bryson was forced off at Elland Road after 34 minutes due to a groin problem.

Rams boss Nigel Clough will make a late decision on both players.

Craig Forsyth's loan from Watford has been extended. His initial deal expired after the Leeds game but the midfielder will now remain at Pride Park for the remainder of the season.

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The 24-year-old will probably continue to deputise at left-back if Gareth Roberts misses a fourth match with his calf problem.

David McGoldrick will make the final appearance of his loan spell for Ipswich.

McGoldrick joined Town in January on a maximum 93-day deal from Nottingham Forest with a view to a permanent switch in the summer - a move which is still set to go ahead.

However, his loan arrangement expires after the trip to Pride Park, when the striker will briefly return to Forest.

McGoldrick is one of a handful of players pushing for a recall to Mick McCarthy's starting XI.

Having bagged a brace in the 3-0 victory over Leeds last Saturday, McGoldrick was rested to the bench for Monday's goalless draw at Millwall as McCarthy rang the changes, also leaving out Jay Tabb, Carlos Edwards, Daryl Murphy and Andy Drury.

Each of the quintet will be aiming to return to the fold at Derby, where McCarthy is not expected to have any new injury or suspension concerns.

York are expected to name an unchanged side.

Nigel Worthington's side ended a 16-game winless run with a 2-0 win over Plymouth on Easter Monday, moving the Minstermen to within one point of third-bottom Argyle.

They now face 20th-placed Accrington knowing a win will see them out of the relegation zone.

Worthington has no new injury problems and could opt to name an unchanged side.

Richard Cresswell scored on his home debut on Monday and should continue in attack with fellow goalscorer Ashley Chambers.

Scott Kerr remains sidelined with a calf problem while Jon Challinor will make his return to training next week after breaking his leg.

Loanees Alex Rodman, Michael Rankine and John McGrath will not be involved after returning to their respective parent clubs.

Experienced duo Francis Jeffers and Nicky Hunt remain injury doubts for Accrington.

Striker Jeffers and defender Hunt are both nursing hamstring problems and weekend's showdown may come too soon for them.

Midfielder Amine Linganzi is back in France having gallantly played in both Stanley's Easter fixtures despite the tragic death of his brother

"The lads are desperate to get back in," said boss Leam Richardson of Jeffers and Hunt. "They're round the group all the while. They are still senior players so they are offering good advice to the lads.

"We're monitoring them every day, every week so hopefully they can make a return sharpish.

"With regards to Amine Linganzi he's had a family bereavement so we'll keep an eye on that and see if he's available for the weekend."

The Millers head to the west coast aiming to get their League Two automatic promotion bid back on track following a run of just one win in five games.

They come up against a Shrimps side having problems of their own - without a win in six - but Evans knows it will be a tough game for his men.

"They are full of good players and have a good manager but it is a game that we believe we will decide the outcome of it," he said.

"We will focus on working hard and if we do that I am confident we will get the win we will need.

"They have got good players and goalscorers, but we know they have taken points off the bigger teams."

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