City v Wolves. Team news

Last updated : 24 October 2007 By Michael Morris

Only experienced defender Riccardo Scimeca will be absent from the squad that takes on high-flying Wolves at Ninian Park.

The former Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa defender is out for at least another three weeks following a groin operation.

Forward Steve MacLean came on for the final five minutes of Sunday's 1-0 defeat at St Mary's and suffered no reoccurrence of his ankle ligament problem and journeyman midfielder Trevor Sinclair played the majority of the second half to confirm his return to fitness.

Boss Jones was less than pleased with his defence following the weekend's loss and may replace Roger Johnson with Darren Purse at the heart of the Cardiff back line.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy will have Irish forward Stephen Ward available but is preparing to field an unchanged side.

McCarthy's men recorded a convincing 2-0 victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Charlton at the weekend and goalscorers Jay Bothroyd

and midfielder Karl Henry will retain their places in the starting XI despite pressure from Freddy Eastwood and the rejuvenated Ward.

Ward has been ruled out recently with tendonitis but has been cleared to return while Eastwood is still biding his time before manager McCarthy allows him another chance.

Stephen Elliott and Micky Gray (both hamstring) are likely to remain sidelined for a further two to three weeks while goalkeeper Matt Murray and defender Rob Edwards are long-term absentees with knee injuries.

Sporting Life.