Kav hopeful of Derby run out

Last updated : 05 February 2004 By Michael Morris

City skipper Graham Kavanagh is hoping to prove his fitness ahead of City's first ever visit to Pride Park.

Lennie Lawrence has spoken about Kav's injury which he reveals was a rib pressing against a nerve. He appears to have responded to treatment and he's set to return to training.

"Kav is back running and he has a 50-50 chance of being involved in training with the test of the lads," Lawrence told the Western Mail.

"If he is and comes through that OK, then he has every chance of playing against Derby. If he has a problem in training or he doesn't train at all, then obviously he has less chance of playing on Saturday.

"But if he's not 100 per cent then he won't be playing. He won't be risked."

Kav will be hoping for good news from Ireland on Monday. Brian Kerr names his squad for Ireland's attrcative home friendly with World Champions Brazil. Kavanagh was injured less than 10 minutes into his last game when he was taken out by QPR's Marc Bircham. Kav had been waiting 4 years for his international comeback only to see it ruined by the Canadian.