LEE CLARK will be forced to run another series of fitness checks as Town prepare to tackle Sheffield Wednesday in today’s big lunchtime derby at the Galpharm (12.15).

While skipper Peter Clarke played in Saturday’s 1-1 League I draw at Carlisle despite suffering flu-like symptoms, fellow centre-back Jamie McCombe and on-loan duo Joe Garner and Lee Croft were too ill to be considered.

The Sky-televised contest is the last match of initial loan periods for Nottingham Forest striker Garner and Derby winger Croft, and Clark says he will inform the players of his future plans over the next couple of days.

While Town are sixth in the table after the Brunton Park stalemate, Wednesday are fifth as they go into action for the first time since December 18, when they suffered an unexpected 5-1 setback at Exeter.

A combination of the cold snap and burst pipes at their Hillsborough home, where Town won 2-0 in November, have forced a string of postponements.

Clark, who has versatile Antony Kay back from a one-match suspension as he hunts a first win in four matches, said: “We’ve got a fantastic game in prospect – a local derby against one of the big clubs in the division.

“There will be an expectant crowd and a great atmosphere, and it’s a game we’re looking forward to. Our fans will be right behind us and that will help the lads after the setbacks we’ve had over the Christmas and New Year period.

“We’ve got a good record against the teams around us in the table and we want to ensure that continues today.”