Russell Slade admits he has been handed a selection dilemma after Cardiff City were given a triple boost for their promotion run-in.
Peter Whittingham, Craig Noone and Sean Morrison are all in contention for Saturday’s Severnside derby at Bristol City.
The Bluebirds head to Ashton Gate just three points off the play-off spots and are now set to be strengthened by the return of the key trio to the squad.
Slade, 55, said: “Peter Whittingham trained Thursday. He had a session. Sean Morrison and Craig Noone have completed a full week’s training.
“Fingers crossed I have a selection problem in terms not just of the 11, but the 18.
“That would be welcome. It’s a nice problem for a manager to have players back who have been missing. All three are in contention for the squad.
“If he gets the shirt ‘Whitts’ can shine in any game. We will have to see how he comes through training.
“The great thing is having the likes of Morrison, Whitts and Noone available again. Whether they start or not, it strengthens us.
“That’s the big thing. If they don’t make the 11, they’re good and strong players to come on and make a difference.”
Whittingham, who has been revelling in his switch out wide, missed the win over Preston with a calf strain while Noone has been sidelined for the last six games with a back injury.
Centre-back Morrison has not played since December but could now return adding a bit of a goal threat with his headers from set-pieces.
But with Bruno Manga and Matt Connolly forming a solid partnership in the run of just one defeat in eight games, Morrison has been told he may have to bid his time before returning.
Slade added: “It’s just healthy to have competition in that area.
“The first centre-half partnership did ever so well and now Bruno and Connolly have done really well to maintain that. Now we have competition, there’s three for two slots and that is very healthy.
“If there’s a lack of form, an injury or suspension we have quality to come in.
“But at this moment in time, with one defeat in eight, Bruno and Connolly have earned the shirt. Sean will accept that. He would not expect to go straight in the side.
“He probably is not quite ready to start a game yet. But if needed he will roll his sleeves up and be more than willing to play his part.”
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