Reda could return to action for S6 clash with Palace

Dave Jones says he hopes to have a full-strength squad to choose from for Saturday’s tough Hillsborough clash with promotion-chasing Crystal Palace.

Jones said Reda Johnson continues to progress after his foot injury while he is hopeful that Anthony Gardner will be fit to resume against his former club after missing the goalless draw at Birmingham in midweek.

If Gardner is able to return then his replacement on Tuesday evening – Martin Taylor – would be expected to step back down to the bench.

Any return for Reda would be likely to see Danny Pugh, who has been playing at left back in his absence, then being in contention for a starting place in midfield.

And, after a disappointing performance at Birmingham, Jones could also consider a recall for Kieran Lee and Jermaine Johnson. The latter posed the home side problems when he came on for the final quarter of the game but, as we know, JJ often produces his best performances as an ‘impact sub’.

Michail Antonio was totally out-of-sorts on Tuesday and looked in need of a rest while several others were below-par and Jones could be tempted to freshen things up with a slight change of personnel.

Victory could take us up into 16th spot in the scramble for Championship survival.

Palace are in fourth, four points behind second-placed Hull, and have returned to form with three wins and a draw in their last four games, after a poor run under Ian Holloway.