Gary Rowett has indicated that he could make changes to his Derby County side for Tuesday evening’s Carabao Cup First Round tie at Grimsby Town.


Derby will take on Russell Slade’s Sky Bet League 2 side at Blundell Park to battle it out for a place in Thursday night’s Second Round draw.

Just a few days on from Friday’s 1-1 draw at Sunderland on the opening day of the campaign, Rowett is likely to utilise his squad.

With a number of players nursing knocks the Derby boss isn’t prepared to risk their long-term fitness.

Tom Huddlestone, Bradley Johnson, Johnny Russell and Craig Bryson are four players that Rowett named as doubts for the game against the Mariners.

Although he is likely to shuffle his pack, Rowett has made it clear he doesn’t want to compromise the quality and standard of his side – with progression to the next round the main priority.


He told RamsTV: “We will have some changes which will be enforced.

“Tom Huddlestone had about five bags of ice on his body after the game at Sunderland and with so many games coming up, you have to take these things into consideration.

“Bradley Johnson has had a few niggles with his ankle as well and Johnny Russell has a dead leg, so we have to be sensible.

“Craig Bryson has had an issue in his hamstring as well. The plan was to inject it after the Sunderland game and allow it to settle this week; so we’ll assess him but he possibly won’t be available so he can be alright for the next four or five games.”

He added: “You have to make good choices that don’t compromise the quality and standard of the team, as well as the opportunity to get a result.”


The likes of Alex Pearce, David Nugent, Matej Vydra and Chris Baird were amongst the substitutes against Sunderland and could be given a chance to impress tomorrow.

In addition, youngsters like Jamie Hanson, Jonathan Mitchell and Mason Bennett could potentially be given run-outs.

Regardless of the side named, Rowett says his side will have a ‘good blend’.

He said: “We have to be mindful of the fact that we have some good players ready to come in like Pearce, Baird and Olsson as well as potentially Nugent, Anya and Vydra as well.

“They could easily have started on Friday and if I do pick them they’ll be part of a strong side anyway.

“We will see if there’s an opportunity to involve some of the younger players like Jamie Hanson, Jonathan Mitchell and Mason Bennett as well.

“It will be a good blend and I am looking forward to the game.”