Ipswich will be without defender Gareth McAuley as they look for their long-awaited first win of the season against Derby.

Northern Ireland international McAuley is set for a fortnight on the sidelines after picking up a thigh injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Plymouth so Alex Bruce should return.

Bruce is fully fit after a recent groin problem and replaced McAuley at Home Park.

Manager Roy Keane saw forward Jon Walters come through the full 90 minutes last weekend despite a sprained ankle and he will continue but 16-year-old forward Connor Wickham is away with the England Under-17 squad.

Midfielder David Norris remains sidelined with his serious knee injury, while Argentinian winger Luciano Civelli is also yet to feature this season as he recovers from his knee ligament damage.

Derby's injury-hit squad return to footballing matters after days of off-field events dominating the headlines.

Adam Pearson on Wednesday stepped down as chairman of football after two years at the club, being replaced by Tom Glick who was already chief executive and president.

But more pressing matters are at hand on the pitch as the Rams travel to Portman Road looking to arrest an alarming run of form that has seen them lose seven of their last 10 games - slumping to 19th in the process.

However, they will have to do so without the services of Miles Addison (foot), Kris Commons (hamstring), Paul Green (foot), Jay McEveley (cheekbone), Ben Pringle (knee) and Mark O'Brien. Chris Porter (hip) and Giles Barnes (Achilles) also remain long-term absentees.

Manager Nigel Clough also has doubts over defenders Dean Leacock (mumps) and Jake Buxton (groin), while striker James Vaughan has returned to Everton due to the knee injury that has hampered his loan stay at Pride Park.

Forward Steve Davies and midfielder Stephen Pearson made their comebacks in last weekend's 4-2 defeat to QPR and should be involved once again, while full-back Fredrik Stoor is available having extended his loan stay from Fulham. Midfielder Arnaud Mendy has also returned from his spell at Grimsby.