Michael Bailey Darren Huckerby should make a welcome return to the Norwich City squad ahead of their tricky-looking trip to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday (3pm).

Michael Bailey

Darren Huckerby should make a welcome return to the Norwich City squad ahead of their tricky-looking trip to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday (3pm).

The 31-year-old winger was back in training yesterday and, providing he does not suffer any reaction today, will travel with the rest of the squad to face their Coca-Cola Championship rivals.

“I think, fingers crossed, Huckerby will be okay to travel,” said Roeder at this morning's Colney press conference. “He keeps himself super fit anyway. I say it kindly; he's a bit of fitness freak. He's always working out at the gym and keeps himself well toned, so if he was fit enough to start, who knows. But I'd like to be able to involve him if I can.”

Defender Gary Doherty will be available after serving a one match ban for his sending off at Coventry last weekend, however Roeder may be tempted to stick with Alex Pearce and Jason Shackell at centre-back after their decent showing in the 1-0 defeat at home to Stoke on Tuesday night.

Jon Otsemobor will continue at right-back after Roeder ruled out Spaniard Juan Velasco for up to a month with a thigh injury he picked up at last weekend's 1-0 defeat to the Sky Blues.

“He's picked up an injury and it's a nuisance because he could be three or four weeks,” said Roeder. “That is a concern because he is only on a very short term contract until the end of the season, but that's life as they say.

“Jon came in the other day and I though did as well as he's done for a long, long time, especially the first half. That's how I would expect him to play all the time, stepping forward onto things, showing bursts of energy like he did, which he doesn't always do.”

Darel Russell will miss Saturday's game as he completes the second match of his two-game suspension for his red card at the Ricoh, while Ched Evans is pushing to start ahead of Jamie Cureton, whose missed chances ultimately cost City dear in midweek.

The surprise inclusion of Luke Daley on the bench on Tuesday night may also be repeated tomorrow, according to Roeder.

“He might travel. It's basically his pace, and pace gives him just a squeak of a chance. I think this morning he's going to be offered a pro contract, so that's going to be pretty good for him - unless anything has changed overnight.”

Luke Chadwick remains a couple of weeks away from contact training, but should feature before the season is out. However, left-back Adam Drury is only expected to get a couple of practice games under his belt before the Canaries jet off for their summer break at the end of the season.