Wigan boss Steve Bruce expects England striker Emile Heskey to be fit to lead their attack against Derby despite recent back trouble.Heskey has endured an injury-hit campaign but manager Steve Bruce has been happy with the forward's progress since Wigan's last outing a fortnight ago.

Midfielder Ryan Taylor has been ruled out with a rib injury but new signing Erik Edman could come into contention.

The Sweden defender has been unable to play since his January move from Rennes due to a calf injury but will be assessed after a 45-minute run-out in the reserves on Thursday night.

Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Koumas, Boyce, Scharner, Kilbane, Valencia, Palacios, Brown, Olembe, Heskey, Bent, King, Granqvist, Bramble, Agahowa, Edman, Figueroa, Sibierski, Skoko, Pollitt.

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