Russell Returns For Cardiff Test

Johnny Russell returns to the Derby County starting line-up for today’s Sky Bet Championship clash against the division’s early pace-setters Cardiff City, kick-off: 3pm.

The 27-year-old Scottish wideman missed the 1-1 draws against Birmingham City and Brentford respectively, but returns to the matchday fold this afternoon, replacing the injured Mason Bennett.

Bennett will be missing for the next four to six weeks after injuring his leg early on in the stalemate at Griffin Park.

That aside, Rowett, the Derby boss, has named the same matchday squad in the Welsh Capital – meaning Joe Ledley and Tom Lawrence will face their former club this afternoon.

There are three notable landmarks this afternoon too.

Richard Keogh, the captain, makes his 500th career start in English club football, whilst Scott Carson and Craig Forsyth make their 400th and 250th career appearances respectively this afternoon.

Cardiff City: Etheridge Ralls, Bamba, Hoilett, Manga, Zohore, Peltier, Mendez-Laing, Bennett, Damour, Morrison

Substitutes: Murphy, Halford, Connolly, Feeney, Bogle, Tomlin, Ward

Derby County: Carson, Wisdom, Keogh (C), Davies, Forsyth; Huddlestone, Ledley; Russell, Johnson, Lawrence; Winnall

Substitutes: Mitchell, Martin, Baird, Pearce, Weimann, Vydra, Nugent

Not travelling to the Welsh Capital? Details of how you can follow every kick of the action from today’s game against Cardiff City with RamsTV can be found here.