Soccer: Derby duo back to face Villa

Seth Johnson and Rory Delap return to the Derby squad for the clash with Aston Villa at Pride Park after recovering from knee injuries.

But Jim Smith will be without Horacio Carbonari and Malcolm Christie, who are both suspended. In addition Brian O'Neil and Stefano Eranio are sidelined with hamstring strains.

Aston Villa will be without skipper Gareth Southgate and striker Darius Vassell.

Central defender Southgate is still battling to shake off the knee ligament injury that has sidelined him since the FA Cup replay against Newcastle United on January 17.

Vassell is serving the second game of a three-match suspension.

Gareth Barry hopes to return to the starting line-up having been on the bench for the last game against Middlesbrough following a knee ligament injury.

Derby team (from): Oakes, Riggott, Higginbotham, West, Delap, Johnson, Powell, Burley, Morris, Burton, Strupar, Grant, Murray, Boertien, Martin, Hunt.