Boss Joe Royle will be waiting to see which of his injured players are nearest fitness before naming his side for this afternoon's game at Stoke (KO 3pm). The Blues have a lengthy injury list after Saturday's 1-0 victory over Luton Town.

Jason De Vos played the second half of the game against the Hatters with a dead leg but the Canadian has shown a remarkable ability to play through injuries during his time with Town and could take his place at the heart of the defence.

Striker Dean Bowditch (hip) and full-back Sito (ankle) were both all but ruled out after Saturday's game, with Nicky Forster and Gavin Williams also given little chance of making it due to the knee problems which forced them out of the Hatters game.

The Blues are already without Sam Parkin (broken ankle), Billy Clarke (dislocated elbow), Vemund Brekke Skard (now eligible to play but recovering from a groin operation), Darryl Knights (ankle), while Richard Naylor serves a one-match suspension after amassing five bookings.

Shane Supple is likely to continue in goal with Lewis Price on the bench due to his groin injury. The Wales international is awaiting the results of a scan to assess the severity of the problem.

Midfielder Kevin Horlock and striker Adam Proudlock could play some role at the Britannia Stadium, probably from the bench, having returned to training last week after their knee injuries. Danny Haynes also hurt his knee against Luton but is expected to be OK.

Naylor's absence will see Wilnis move to centre-half with Aidan Collins likely to be ready to step in should De Vos fail to make it. Matt Richards will play in one of the full-back roles with Scott Barron in with a chance of making his first league start with Sito expected to miss out.

The Blues look likely to play with Danny Haynes as a lone attacker with so many other frontmen on the sidelines at present. Jim Magilton, Jimmy Juan, Ian Westlake and Darren Currie look certain starters in midfield with Dean McDonald or Jaime Peters perhaps getting their chance.

Stoke will be without defender John Halls who has a hamstring injury. Defender Clint Hill and midfielder John Eustace have knee injuries.

The referee is Lee Probert from Gloucestershire who has shown 92 yellow and three red cards in 23 games this season. His last Town game was April's 4-3 victory over Rotherham at Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

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