Team News: Cyrus Christie returns for Derby County against visiting Birmingham City

Derby County have been boosted by the return of full-back Cyrus Christie as they prepare to take on Birmingham City in the Championship this afternoon.

Steve McClaren's side are to start with a 4-3-3 formation, which makes use of a forward three of Tom Ince, Jamie Ward and Johnny Russell.

The visitors have made two changes following their recent win over Blackpool, with both striker Lee Novak and winger Lloyd Dyer coming into the side.

Gary Rowett's men are still without Koby Arthur, Michael Morrison, Gavin Gunning and Matt Green as they look to earn three wins on the trot with victory at Pride Park.

Derby County: Grant; Christie; Keogh, Albentosa, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hendrick, Hughes; Ince, Ward, Russell

Birmingham City: Randolph; Caddis, Spector, Kiernan, Grounds, Tesche, Davis, Cotterill, Shinnie, Dyer, Novak