Town striker Darren Bent could miss all but the final game of the season due to his hamstring tear. Blues' boss Joe Royle has confirmed that the striker would not be pushed into action while he is suffering with the injury picked up at Gillingham last weekend.

Royle said: "Young Darren is two or three weeks away - and we won't be rushing him.

"The scan showed a hamstring tear and if we had an emergency and put him in, it could get a lot worse."

That seems to rule Bent out for all but the Derby away game in May, and the play-offs should Town make a top six place.

His absence gives Pablo Couñago a chance to become Town's top scorer while Alun Armstrong, back from injury, and youngster Dean Bowditch will both hope to grab a chance before the season's end.

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