Cardiff v Swansea. Early team news

Last updated : 04 April 2009 By Michael Morris
The club captain has put aside plans for a minor nose operation to feature for the Bluebirds, due to Gabor Gyepes' one-match suspension for his dismissal in the 3-0 defeat to Sheffield United last time out.

Striker Ross McCormack will be available after he had his red card against the Blades rescinded by the Football Association of Wales.

Winger Paul Parry is rated as doubtful with an ongoing knee problem, so Peter Whittingham and Quincy-Owusu Abeyie could battle it out to replace Parry should he not make it.

Boss Dave Jones will assess the fitness of several players returning from international duty ahead of the encounter, although no problems are expected.

Defender Alan Tate is Swansea's biggest injury concern.

Tate has missed the last three weeks with an ankle injury as is rated as 50-50 for the clash which Swansea need to win to keep their play-off hopes alive.

Leading scorer Jason Scotland, who has netted 21 goals so far this season, will have his fitness assessed when he returns from international duty with Trinidad & Tobago with Gorka Pintado standing by to deputise.

Defender Ashley Williams has returned from playing for Wales unscathed leaving manager Roberto Martinez with a strong squad to pick from, with only long-term absentees Ferrie Bodde and Marcos Painter definitely ruled out.

The Swans are five points adrift of Cardiff who occupy the final play-off spot although the Bluebirds do have two games in hand over their rivals.

The match kicks off at 11am

Sporting Life