Town will be at full strength for Saturday's crunch game with Derby. Marcus Stewart is fit and has had no reaction from his thigh injury. No-one else has picked up a knock and only Keith Branagan is missing from the squad.

George Burley said: "I've a full squad available apart from Keith Branagan who had an operation last week. Marcus Stewart has recovered from his thigh injury. The squad is looking healthy."

Although Derby are safe the Town manager warned that they would still have something to play for: "Your last home game is important to any club. They will have a capacity crowd and Jim Smith says he wants his side to win as a 'thank you' to the fans as they have been excellent all season. They'll be determined to finish on a high note."

Derby inflicted one of Town's rare home defeats this season with a battling display back in December. Of that game the Town boss said: "They got the goal and defended in numbers." This could possibly be their tactic on Town's first visit to Pride Park.

Burley says his side are still hoping for a Champions' League place, despite now being the outsiders of the three challengers. As in the last two seasons Town have to look to results elsewhere as well as their own: "We haven't given up yet. It's not in our hands. If Liverpool and Leeds slip up we've got to make sure we win our game."

There are family connections at Derby and Burley was surprised to be told that nephew Craig Burley wasn't playing: "Is he not? He told me he was!"

Town's away form has been one of the main reasons behind the excellent season and Town's manager is keen to take their away victories into double figures: "We have won nine game away from home and we will try to make it ten. It would give fans a good send off at the end of a magnificent season."

It would indeed.

Sean Friars has been found guilty of Drink-Driving, Wilfully Resisting Arrest and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. The Northern Irish winger's contract is up at the end of the season and it isn't being renewed.

He has avoided prison but has received a 28 month driving ban which will be reduced by 7 months on completion of a rehabilitation course. He was also ordered to do 120 hours community service and had to pay £55 costs.

Photo: Action Images

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