NIGEL Clough is hoping that top scorer Jackson Irvine will be fit for Saturday’s trip to QPR.
The Australian international has not played since the Preston game on January 2 after picking up a groin injury but is on the mend.
Clough said: “He has been very important in the first half of the season and we have missed him so we hope he will be ready for Saturday. He has done a little bit of light training this week so as long as there is no reaction we will take him down to QPR and see how he is.”
Irvine has been offered a new improved deal on the back of a strong first season in the Championship.
Clough said: “We have been discussing a new contract with him but he hasn’t signed one yet. He is on a three-year deal anyway so there is another two-and-a-half years left of that and it is more of a case of rewarding him for how well he has done. When you bring someone in you are not sure how they will adapt but he’s one that has done that superbly and scored goals.”
Will Miller is also expected to be available for the trip to QPR after shaking off a hamstring problem.
Clough said: “He has trained the last couple of days and has looked very sharp so he’s back in contention.”
Luke Varney is also back in light training after puncturing a lung in the FA Cup tie at Watford.
Clough said: “He has got the all clear with his lung and it’s now a case of managing the pain with his rib. He will start building up training and we are looking at another two or three weeks with him.”