DAVID CUFFLEY Injury to Dion Dublin has added to City's defensive woes ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship trip to Southampton.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Injury to Dion Dublin has added to City's defensive woes ahead of Saturday's Coca-Cola Championship trip to Southampton.

The 37-year-old Dublin, who has played six of the last seven matches at centre-half, missed training yesterday with a groin injury. With Jason Shackell suspended for the match at St Mary's Stadium after collecting five bookings, manager Peter Grant will be closely watching the progress of Gary Doherty and Craig Fleming, back in training this week, as he seeks to find a fit pair for central defence.

"Dion has a groin strain so we have to monitor that carefully," said Grant. "He felt a bit of tightness after the game on Saturday and with the heavy pitches, we have to be careful."

Doherty, whose last appearance came in the 3-1 defeat at Ipswich three weeks ago, resumed training yesterday after ankle and back problems.

Fleming, sidelined by hamstring trouble since the home game against Colchester on October 31, returned to action for City Reserves at Colchester last week but was not risked at the weekend.

In spite of the absentees, Grant confirmed that 17-year-old defender Michael Spillane would still be on FA Youth Cup duty with the Canaries at Portsmouth tonight, but he could come into his plans on Saturday. There was better news, however, of winger Lee Croft and goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

Croft, out for the past six weeks with an ankle injury, came safely through training on Monday and yesterday. Gallacher, also recovering from an ankle injury, is set to resume full training, ready to return to the senior side after Lee Camp's return to Derby.