Derby game – it is on

Last updated : 02 September 2002 By Tony Scholes

There has been much debate as to what would happen with this fixture with both clubs having a definite two players on international duty and also with the fact that the game was scheduled to go ahead at the same time as England are playing.

Derby will be without both Mart Poom (Estonia) and Giorgi Kinladze (Georgia) whilst the Clarets will be without last Saturday’s front two Gareth Taylor (Wales) and Dimitri Papadopoulos (Greece Under 21s). That means that neither club can request a postponement.

There was also the possibility of the game being switched to some other time over the weekend to avoid clashing with England’s friendly on television.

We spoke to Derby County on Friday of last week and at that time they could not confirm if or when the game was taking place but this morning they have confirmed to us that the game will go ahead as planned.

That means all change up front for the Clarets with Stan having to look for a complete change up front as Taylor and Papadopoulos jet off. That is one area where we do have options with Robbie Blake, Ian Moore and Andy Payton all sat on the bench last Saturday.