Manager Nigel Clough expects to have Rob Hulse and Dean Leacock available for Derby's game against Midlands rivals Coventry.

Clough will particularly welcome the return of main striker Hulse as the injury-hit Rams look to end a run of three consecutive Championship defeats at Pride Park on Friday night.

Hulse missed the defeat at Ipswich at the weekend with a stomach virus while defender Leacock was absent with a bout of the mumps.

Derby had 16 players unavailable through injury at Portman Road but their problems are showing signs of easing, with left-back Jay McEveley and midfielder Paul Green also expected to return to the squad against the Sky Blues.

Clough confirmed: "They should all be available. It will just be a case of wrapping the squad in cotton wool."