Giggs still hungry for title wins

Manchester United's most decorated player Ryan Giggs believes the Barclays Premier League is tougher than ever - but he is relishing the challenge.

The champions are aiming to bounce back, after losing to Liverpool, when they face Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Giggs, who has picked up 11 title winner's medals, is determined to add to his tally.

He said: "You try to concentrate on your own form but you have a little look as to who is round about you.

"There have been some strange results. The top six or eight are separated by only a few points.

"It is going to be closer, because the quality has gone up. Any team can beat anyone, and you have to perform all the way throughout the season.

"It is great for us, the more teams that are competing. We can handle that. For the neutrals, it is brilliant.

"It is why the Premiership is the most exciting league in the world - because of the quality in it and the atmosphere it brings. That has certainly been the way this season."

Giggs is still hurting after the defeat by Liverpool, which left United trailing Chelsea at the top of the table.

But a Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek lifted some of the gloom over Old Trafford.

Giggs said: "We just didn't turn up. That is one game you don't want to lose, against Liverpool at Anfield.

"We could still have won the match, because we had some chances. But whoever scores the first goal, it is very difficult to claw that lead back. It was disappointing we did not perform as well as we can.

"But we had a good win against Barnsley. Now we want to get back on track in the league."

Even though Blackburn were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Giggs is not expecting an easy ride.

He added: "With Sam Allardyce as manager, you know they are going to be tough and will be organised. You know you have got to perform.

"You look to win all your home games, because you know any away game in the league is difficult. You don't want to be dropping silly points at home."

United v Blackburn

United will be hoping to make amendments to their disappointing 2-0 defeat to arch-rivals Liverpool.United didn't even put a fight at Liverpool .A Carling Cup victory over Barnsley will have gone some way to mending United's wounded pride, but Sir Alex Ferguson will demand maximum points against a side who have managed just one Premier League victory at Old Trafford in 15 attempts.

United need somebody in the midfield who can control the game . The days of Scholes is coming to an end and Carrick is not at form .Last week they were outrun by the Liverpool midfield .Defensively Ferdinand is making errors at a constant rate .


United are facing a defensive crisis with Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand both doubtful with calf injuries and Gary Neville suspended.Ryan Giggs is also carrying a knock, while Darren Fletcher, Danny Welbeck and Ji Sung Park remain sidelined.

Blackburn's latest swine flu victim is Jason Roberts, who has been told to stay away from training.Defender Chris Samba is doubtful but Pascal Chimbonda has recovered from a calf strain.

United reaches Quarter finals

Holders United are through to the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup but once again finished a game with only ten men.

Gary Neville was sent off in the second half at Oakwell, following on from fellow defender Nemanja Vidic in the defeat by Liverpool on Sunday.

Neville's dismissal was the only downside for United who secured their passage thanks to goals from Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen, his third of the season.

Ferguson named a completely different starting XI to the one at Anfield and the youngsters rose to the challenge against Barnsley.

Had the Coca-Cola Championship side shown a cutting edge to match their work rate it might have been a different story.

Ferguson handed a delayed debut to Gabriel Obertan, two months after the winger arrived from Bordeaux.

Obertan, 20, had proved his fitness with three games for the reserves after a nagging back injury and he should have marked the occasion by finding the target.

Up against former Old Trafford striker Mark Robins, now Barnsley manager, United needed only five minutes to make the breakthrough.

It was Welbeck who made his mark just as he did in the last round when he scored the winner against Wolves.

He was allowed a free header when Anderson delivered the corner and took advantage with a clinical finish.

Welbeck almost added a second five minutes later following a superb ball over the top from Anderson.

However goalkeeper Luke Steele prevented his side going two down by making a marvellous block.

Barnsley were again forced on the back foot in the 19th minute and Obertan should have scored when released by Owen. But again Steele stood tall and thwarted the Frenchman.

However the home side responded and skipper Stephen Foster was left cursing his luck four minutes later.

His header from Adam Hammill's corner beat goalkeeper Ben Foster but came back off the angle of the post and bar.

Back came United and Welbeck headed over the bar following a cross from Obertan in the 36th minute.

With only one goal separating the teams, Barnsley were by no means out of it. But there was disbelief around the ground when Daniel Bogdanovic's ball across the face of the goal seven minutes later was not picked up.

Owen then squandered a good chance in the 48th minute, scuffing a shot wide after being set up by Welbeck.

Barnsley were making a decent fist of it but Anderson should have done better six minutes later when he failed to test Foster.

Then substitute Zoran Tosic, who had replaced Welbeck, saw his effort narrowly clear the bar in the 57th minute.

Two minutes later Owen showed his class by making it 2-0, clipping the ball past Steele after getting between Foster and Darren Moore with Fabio supplying the pass.

However United were reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute when Neville was handed a straight red by referee Chris Foy for clattering into the back of Hammill.

Neville, who was on the bench against Liverpool, looked stunned at seeing his time on the pitch come to a premature end.

Anderson then twice came close in quick succession to pulling a goal back for Barnsley but both his headers were wayward.

However they had the bit between their teeth and were anxious to give a full house something to cheer about.

It was not to be though as United kept their shape and their discipline to move menacingly into the last eight of the competition.

Liverpool 2 - 0 United

Liverpool ended their worst sequence of results since 1987 and eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez in the most satisfying manner possible as Manchester United were deservedly beaten at Anfield.

Fernando Torres demonstrated his world class with a 65th-minute opener, comfortably shrugging off the attentions of Rio Ferdinand before powering an unstoppable finish high past United keeper Edwin van der Sar at The Kop end.

And after United's Nemanja Vidic was sent off for the third successive time against Liverpool and Javier Mascherano also saw red in a thunderous finale, substitute David Ngog raced on to Lucas's pass to wrap up a fully-merited victory.

Anfield was awash with ecstasy as goalkeeper Pepe Reina rushed the length of the field to join the celebrations with Ngog - a sign of what was riding on this result for Liverpool and manager Benitez.Reds boss Benitez entered this crucial game with spirits lifted after managing director Christian Purslow added his weight to co-owner George Gillett's message that his future is not under threat.

But it was the commitment and energy shown by Liverpool in the face of four successive defeats that was always going to be the most realistic measure of the current circumstances surrounding Benitez.

And Liverpool delivered in emphatic fashion, backed by fervent Anfield supporters who recognised Benitez had reached a pivotal point in his five-year reign.

Liverpool held sway for most of a match that only occasionally touched the heights, but the workload of the respective keepers confirmed this was a victory well-earned by Benitez's side - and which now leaves them only four points behind the Premier League champions.

606: DEBATE
Well done to Liverpool - you completely deserved to win the game

ManUtd31

United mounted a late rally of sorts but Ngog's late goal gave the scoreline a more realistic appearance.

And watching it all after a late cameo as substitute was Michael Owen, returning to Anfield for the first time since joining United and being subjected to a venomous reaction from Liverpool's fans.

Owen was involved in the late drama as he was fouled by Jamie Carragher with United trailing 1-0 and boss Sir Alex Ferguson felt the Reds defender should have been shown a red card rather than yellow.

It was perhaps the stroke of luck Liverpool have been missing recently.

Events on the pitch, as ever, will ultimately dictate Benitez's fate and United fans arrived at Anfield in the mood to revel in Liverpool's current misfortune.Eric Cantona masks and a succession of banners served as a reminder that they now equal Liverpool's total of 18 league titles - with beach balls thrown on to the Anfield turf to mock the manner of Liverpool's defeat at Sunderland.

The Kop rallied behind Liverpool, who as expected were without injured captain Steven Gerrard, and they responded with an energetic first-half performance in which United keeper Van der Sar was fully extended.

Van der Sar leapt brilliantly to claw out Aurelio's free-kick in the 14th minute after Patrice Evra had been booked for his third foul in quick succession - even recovering to keep out Kuyt's effort from the rebound.

Kuyt was guilty of missing Liverpool's best chance of a frantic opening three minutes later when he failed to hit the target from the angle after he was released by Lucas.

Valencia's pace was posing real problems for Liverpool left-back Emiliano Insua, and he was the provider with a cross that saw Wayne Rooney's header clutched by Reina in front of an anxious Kop.

Liverpool were rising to the challenge of ending their recently dismal sequence, and Aurelio should have given them the lead 10 minutes before half-time, heading straight at Van der Sar from Yossi Benayoun's cross.Benitez's side started well again after the break and Kuyt, his confidence perhaps sapped by earlier failures in front of goal, tried to set up Benayoun when the Netherlands striker would have been better served trying to test Van der Sar.

The goal Liverpool craved eventually came - and from a predictable source as Torres showed searing pace and clinical finishing to shrug off the attentions of Ferdinand before lashing a finish high past Van der Sar at The Kop end.

It was the signal for former Liverpool striker Owen to warm up, and he was subjected to a torrid reception and cries of "Judas" from the supporters who once idolised him.

Owen almost delivered the perfect answer to the taunts when he set up Valencia, but his shot smashed against the bar from a tight angle and United's last serious chance had gone.

There was still time for a frantic finish, with Vidic achieving the unenviable feat of a third red card in three games against Liverpool when he picked up a second yellow card for a foul on Kuyt.

Mascherano joined him on the sidelines for a similar offence, this time a late challenge on Van der Sar - but the final word was left to Liverpool and youngster Ngog.

As United pressed forward in numbers, Liverpool broke and Ngog finished with composure from Lucas's pass to set the seal on a day that went almost perfectly to the script for besieged Benitez.

Liverpool v United - Time for revenge

Liverpool beat United home and away in the league last season for the first time in seven years. The 4-1 scoreline at Old Trafford was United's heaviest home defeat since New Year's Day 1992.So it is time for United to return the favours when they travel to Anfield on Sunday . A victory for United will virtually end Liverpool's title claims.Although Red Devils defender Gary Neville insists revenge is not on the cards United must still be smarting over the manner of the defeat at the hands of Liverpool last time out when they were hammered 4-1 at Old Trafford.

Liverpool are going through one of their worst period in almost two decades .Liverpool have lost four successive matches in all competitions - their worst run for more than 22 years. As if things couldn't get any worse for Liverpool they face the prospect of going into the must-win match without inspirational captain Steven Gerrard.United, though, know not to write off their rivals; Liverpool won without Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard in the starting line-up when the clubs met at Anfield last season.

Liverpool's dire injury situation looks to be easing, with Fernando Torres (thigh) hopeful of returning.Glen Johnson (groin) is also close to a comeback, but Steven Gerrard is struggling with a similar problem.

Though United is at the top of the table their victories are looking unconvincing . They registered 87 minute goal against CSKA and stoppage time goal for taking a point against Sunderland .They also had nervy moments against Bolton on last Saturday .Defensively United are looking shaky at the moment and Nani is failing to impress as Ronaldo is gone .

United have been dealt an injury blow of their own with the news that Wayne Rooney remains a doubt for the game with a calf strain.Despite question marks being raised over Rooney's fitness, United have both Ryan Giggs and Patrice Evra back in contention after the pair missed the Champions League match in Moscow.However midfielder Darren Fletcher remains a doubt with a knee injury while Park Ji-Sung (knee) looks certain to be ruled out.Rooney's possible absence could hand Michael Owen the chance to start against his former club although manager Sir Alex Ferguson could opt to use Dimitar Berbatov as a lone striker should Rooney miss out.

United leave it late in Russia

Antonio Valencia scored a late winner for Manchester United as they clinched a 1-0 win against CSKA Moscow.

On an artificial plastic pitch in the Russian capital, United had to work hard to maintain their 100 per cent record in the UEFA Champions League this season, which sees them top Group B with three wins from three.

The win also means they equal Ajax's European record of 14 away games without defeat, and a composed finish from the Ecuadorian Valencia saw United take firm control of the group.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men turned the screw in the second half after a first period that saw few chances, and they were kept at bay when Igor Akinfeev produced an excellent save to keep out a Nani header.

But Valencia latched on to a Dimitar Berbatov flick-on in the 86th minute to hit a half-volley across goal into Akinfeev's net, to ensure United travel home with the three points.

Manager Ferguson, perhaps with Anfield in mind, made five changes from the side victorious over Bolton last time out, in the stadium where they famously beat Chelsea in the final last year.
Return

Nemanja Vidic returned to the centre of defence while John O'Shea and Scholes were included in central midfield.

Nani and Fabio also came in on the left and formed a good attacking partnership on a flank that proved United's most productive route forward.

Ferguson's suggestion the game would be played on the ground due to the nature of the pitch was true in the early stages as both sides began patiently.

CSKA had the first shot on goal when the dangerous Milos Krasic took advantage of hesitancy from his fellow Serb Vidic but fired wide from outside the box after a weaving run.

United began to assert themselves more midway through the first half and O'Shea had a cross headed clear by Sergei Ignashevich.

Fabio also found room to cross twice in quick succession but former Wigan star Valencia was first crowded out and then Akinfeev easily claimed.

Scholes, playing in a deep-lying role, had the visitors' first shot with a dipping long-range effort that bounced awkwardly and Akinfeev touched over for a corner.

CSKA responded with Alan Dzagoev lifting a ball into the box but Tomas Necid's header was of little concern to Edwin van der Sar.

United again attacked down the left and another Nani cross was just too high for lone striker Berbatov at the far post.

Nani again broke clear for United before the break but Gary Neville shot over after the ball worked its way across goal.

United had a scare moments before the interval when a Dzagoev free-kick was cleared unconvincingly for a corner.

Lively

The second half got off to a lively start with chances at both ends - Nani raced through from a Valencia backheel only to find no-one with his cross while Berbatov controlled well but saw his shot blocked.

Deividas Semberas then shot well over and Dzagoev had the ball in the net before the hour but the flag had long since been raised for offside and home celebrations were quickly curtailed.

Berbatov flicked the ball into the area for United but his attempts to win a penalty from Aleksei Berezutski came to nothing when he was booked for diving.

United took Rio Ferdinand off with a third of the game remaining and created a chance soon after when Neville crossed for Nani but Akinfeev saved.

Michael Owen was introduced as a 71st-minute substitute for Scholes and had a fine opportunity when Valencia crossed five minutes later but he failed to connect with a volley.

Valencia went much closer eight minutes from time when he combined well with Berbatov and Nani on the edge of the area but his powerful shot rebounded off the bar.

Not to be denied, Valencia went one better five minutes from time when he latched onto a downward header from Berbatov and turned six yards out to lash in the winner.

United go top of the table

United returned to usual business with a win over Bolton . The champions were gifted an early lead as Zat Knight could only divert a tame header from Michael Owen into the back of his own net with just five minutes on the clock.

Despite the early goal, it was the away side who piled on the pressure but Bolton were caught on the counter-attack as Valencia slammed home from inside the area on 33 minutes after a neat one-two with Gary Neville.

The hosts failed to set the second half alight, despite fine individual showings from Ryan Giggs and Dimitar Berbatov, and it was the Trotters who grabbed the third goal of the game.

Kevin Davies picked out Matt Taylor in the United penalty area and the winger beat Patrice Evra in the air to head Bolton a lifeline with 75 minutes gone.

The away side bombarded the United defence for the final fifteen minutes with the hosts rattled and fortunate not to concede a second.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson's men rode out the pressure and return to the top of the Barclays Premier League after Chelsea's afternoon defeat to Aston Villa.

Given his much-publicised attack on Alan Wiley a fortnight ago and memories of being despatched to the stands by today's official Mark Clattenburg when these two sides met at the Reebok Stadium a fortnight ago, Ferguson needed a quiet day.

Apart from a brief period just before Valencia broke his United duck, Bolton were totally overrun until the late salvo.
Opener

United could have been ahead before Evra charged forward on the overlap and drove a cross to Owen at the near-post.

With Wayne Rooney missing due to a groin injury, Owen could have done with getting his own name on the scoresheet.

Instead, his off-target header fell to Knight, who made a complete mess of an intended clearance and instead trundled it into his own net.

More should have soon followed. Evans gave Jussi Jaaskelainen the opportunity to make a fine block when really his far-post header should have been guided in from a Giggs cross that came at the end of some excellent approach play.

Berbatov, celebrating the birth of his first child - Dea - on Thursday, blazed a decent opportunity wide, while Jaaskelainen stood tall in the face of Valencia's long-range effort.

It meant Ferguson's side had to wait until the 33rd minute to double their lead, before which Kevin Davies had wasted a golden chance to equalise.

Valencia has made a promising start in his new surroundings, with the exception of his efforts in front of goal.

The Ecuador star has rarely given the impression of being prolific and there have been many better chances than the one he belted past Jaaskelainen.

However, after collecting Owen's square ball, he raced forward before prodding a pass to Gary Neville, whose return was delivered with precision, inviting what followed.

It was against Bolton six years ago that Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself to an unsuspecting audience.

The odds are against Valencia matching the Portugal superstar's contribution. However, the early signs are that he has been another astute buy.

Chances

Had Jaaskelainen not managed to beat away an acrobatic Berbatov volley, the Bulgarian would have had a fitting way to celebrate such a momentous week in his life.

Jaaskelainen's immense contribution was proved 15 minutes from time when Bolton dragged themselves back into the contest.

United failed to heed the warning offered by a disallowed Ivan Klasnic effort, and when Kevin Davies launched a far post cross towards Taylor, the midfielder steered his header into the left corner.

The move highlighted Evra's weakness in the air, which Bolton desperately tried to exploit.

Ivan Klasnic, whose introduction had thrown United's defence into a panic, fired narrowly wide, then Knight was off target before Cahill was presented with his glorious chance.

Ferguson had already placed his trust in Van der Sar to make his first appearance of the season after breaking his fingers in the summer, and the 38-year-old did not let him down

Diwali special United v Bolton

United begins their title defence after the international break with the match against Bolton at Oldtrafford . It is the time for United to enter into their ruthlessness after their last lackluster display against Sunderland . United were below par in all departments .The defence which last season kept record clean sheets looked as if it were another team with the goal keeper in the centre of most errors.

United lack a play maker in their midfield .The days of Ginger Prince is gone. He can produce the moments of brilliance .But he can not play regularly .It is high time Sir Alex looked beyond Nani .Rooney and Co lacked clear cut chances due to the inability of the midfield .

United face a striking dilemma. Rooney will miss out due to the calf strain he picked up on England duty while Sir Alex Ferguson also has problems with Dimitar Berbatov. Better news for United is the fact that Ferguson has fit-again Michael Owen available for selection and Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar

Sam Ricketts is a doubt for Bolton after pulling out of Wales' World Cup qualifiers with an ankle problem.

Hargreaves: Best is yet to come

Owen Hargreaves is impatient to repay the faith of Man United fans and is confident he will return "better than ever".

The 28-year-old England midfielder was told by renowned surgeon Dr Richard Steadman that his knee problems were among the worst he had seen in his long and distinguished career.

Surgery and 10 months of intensive rehabilitation followed in Colorado, but Hargreaves believes it was essential time well spent - and he is now setting his sights on a long-lived return and a career he hopes can last into his late 30s.

"The best is yet to come, and I just cannot wait to get back out there," he told MUTV.

"I will be trying to improve my game and achieve the great success I think we [United] are destined for."

Hargreaves last played for United against Chelsea 13 months ago and therefore missed out on a championship-winning season.

He is nonetheless hugely heartened by the progress he too has made off the pitch in that time.

"To look back at where I was to where I am now is amazing," he said.

"I just want to be part of it again and have a great season. I cannot wait to pay back some of the faith the fans have shown me."

Owen to return to full training

Manchester United striker Michael Owen is set to return to full training having missed Saturday's match against Sunderland with a groin injury.

Owen came off with the problem during Wednesday's game against Wolfsburg and it was initially feared he would be sidelined for three weeks.

"I'm back in training from Tuesday," the 29-year-old told At The Races.

"A few years ago I would have carried on playing. If I'd continued then I think I'd have pulled my groin."

Meanwhile, the former Liverpool and Newcastle player said he had not given up hope of making Fabio Capello's 23-man England World Cup squad, despite having not featured for the Italian yet."Every aim for an English footballer is to go to the World Cup and get in that squad," said Owen, who has won 89 caps and scored 40 goals for the national team.

"I've got six or seven months to do as well as possible for Manchester United and hopefully Fabio Capello will be watching."

Anton own goal rescues United

Anton Ferdinand's dramatic own goal earned Manchester United a fortunate 2-2 draw with Sunderland at Old Trafford.

Sunderland looked to be heading for a famous win until Ferdinand deflected Patrice Evra's shot into his own two minutes into added time at the end of the 90 minutes.

Darren Bent gave Sunderland a shock lead after just seven minutes with a crisp finish from the edge of the box.

Dimitar Berbatov drew United level six minutes after the break with an acrobatic volley inside the box.

Kenwyne Jones restored Sunderland's lead on 58 minutes when he rose above Ben Foster to head home Andy Reid's cross.

Sunderland were reduced to ten men when former United man Kieran Richardson was sent off for a second bookable offence after kicking the ball away.

The visitors looked set to hang on for the points until Ferdinand stuck out a leg to block Evra's shot only to see it fly into his own net and get United out of jail.

On the back of an eight-match winning run, facing opponents who had not won at Old Trafford for more than 40 years and managed by a man in Steve Bruce who was unable to boast even a solitary success against his old boss in 12 previous attempts, it was expected to be a stroll.

But Sunderland were the ones who adapted to the blustery conditions quicker.

Indeed, it could have been argued United did not adapt at all.

Rare are the times an opposition goalkeeper comes to this ground and gets through an entire half without having to make a save. But this was one.

Craig Gordon did make one meaningful intervention, diving low to cut out John O'Shea's curling cross. Apart from that, the Scotland keeper was redundant.

Anton Ferdinand, the one member of his family to start after brother Rio was consigned to the bench by Sir Alex Ferguson, produced an effective central defensive performance alongside the equally impressive Michael Turner.

Yet even they must have been surprised by how little they had to do.

With teenager Danny Welbeck handed only his second Premier League start, a tentative approach from one flank was to be expected. Maybe the same could also be said of Nani given his dismal display at Stoke seven days previously.

The Portugal international was no better today, and this time Ryan Giggs was not on the bench to bail him out.

And, in Bent, Sunderland boasted a man at the top of his game.

When he made the quick dash down from Bolton, England coach Fabio Capello might not have been expecting to spend half-time thinking about whether Bent should be in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Belarus.

Yet, had it not been for his decision to hand over penalty duties to Jones at Sunderland last week, he would now be top of the scoring charts.
Opener
And what a fine effort his seventh of the season was as Sunderland took the lead in only the seventh minute.

He got far enough away from O'Shea during a lengthy Black Cats build-up to have room to turn away from the Irishman when Lee Cattermole played the final pass.

The finish was inch perfect, giving Foster no chance.

Replacing Paul Scholes at the break was a bold statement by Ferguson, which triggered an instant response.

Nani was a suddenly a man inspired, twice causing confusion with direct runs, the second of which demanded a brave low save of Gordon to deny Wayne Rooney.

The clearance came straight back out to O'Shea, whose curling 51st-minute cross was perfectly met by Berbatov's overhead kick, which nestled in the bottom corner.

As they say when the TV picture goes down, normal service was expected to resume shortly. Instead, United conceded again.

Foster, and no doubt Ferguson, who had already been incensed by a couple of Alan Wiley's decisions, will doubtless feel Jones fouled the United keeper as he rose to meet Andy Reid's cross just before the hour mark.

But Foster should have been stronger in the challenge. Instead, he was shoved aside to allow Jones to head into an empty net.

Thrilling late comebacks from such positions are the stuff of Manchester United legend.

Probably only this knowledge kept the hosts going as, even after Kieran Richardson's needless dismissal, it never actually looked like happening.

Evra refused to accept second best, though, leaving Ferdinand to beat the ground in frustration.

United v Sunderland

Old Trafford welcomes back one of its former heroes on Saturday when Steve Bruce returns to the club he captained to three Premier League titles.

Despite failing to really sparkle so far in this campaign Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have won their last eight games in a row thanks largely due to the impressive form of the evergreen Ryan Giggs.

After inspiring his side to victory last weekend at Stoke, the Welshman took the plaudits again in midweek with a vital contribution in United’s Champions League win over Wolfsburg, a match which also saw him notch up his 150th goal for the club.

United will be without Michael Owen, who suffered a groin strain against Wolfsburg.

Ben Foster will return to United's goal despite Poland international Tomasz Kuszczak playing in midweek.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has reported no new injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash.

Lee Cattermole (heel) may miss out after Bruce admitted the midfielder should not have been rushed back for Sunday's 5-2 victory over Wolves.