Central defender Jason De Vos is close to a return to action after cracking his ribs on the opening day of the season. The Canadian has stepped up his training in recent days and is expected to be back in the side when the Blues face Sheffield United next week.

Fitness coach Simon Thadani told the club site: "I have been working with Jason this week and he is going in the right direction, although it's important that he takes it a step at a time.

"We have been doing a lot more physical work and I can tell you that having a 6ft 4in man mountain crash in to you - as we have been doing - is no fun!

"But it's all part of assessing Jason's progress and, like I say, he is moving forward. He is back training, in some capacity, with the first team now and the signs are encouraging."

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