Ledley fitness boost for Cardiff

Joe Ledley is the only home-town player in Cardiff's current first-team

Dave Jones expects Wales midfielder Joe Ledley to make a shock early return for Cardiff City in Sunday's South Wales derby at Swansea City.

The 21-year-old required surgery and needed a pin to mend his dislocated finger sustained in Cardiff's win over Crystal Palace on 15 November.

Ledley's finger will be placed in a splint for the highly-anticipated Liberty Stadium morning showdown.

"Maybe Joe will be okay for the derby next Sunday," Jones told BBC Sport.

"If we can get the right splint for Joe's finger and get it into a a position where he feels comfortable, he should be available for selection."

Ledley was due to miss a month to allow his finger to fully recover - so Cardiff signed winger Wayne Routledge on loan from Aston Villa - but this latest news is a double fitness boost for Bluebirds boss Jones.

606: DEBATE How much of a boost will Joe Ledley's return be for Cardiff?

Cardiff's top-scorer Ross McCormack, who scored seven goals in eight games before his injury blow, could return for Tuesday's Ninian Park visit by Championship high-fliers Reading.

The 12-goal Scottish striker has missed the last three weeks with a hamstring problem but he and strike partner Jay Bothroyd could return for Cardiff against the Royals.

Bothroyd also sustained a hamstring injury in Cardiff's 2-1 defeat by Wolves 1 November - and Jones said: "Ross and Jay have looked okay in training.

"And if they come through the next few days without a problem, I'll be asking them if they're ready to play against Reading."

Should Bothroyd and McCormack's return, Jones would enjoy an embarrassment of striking riches as on-loan Sunderland striker Michael Chopra is in promising form, scoring in successive games.

Cardiff goalkeeper Tom Heaton will face a late fitness test on a calf problem as he hobbled out of Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle with seven minutes remaining.

"Tom has been feeling ill all week so maybe it is a cramp," said Jones.

"Hopefully it is nothing too serious."

Winger Paul Parry and full-back Kevin McNaughton were also taken off at Plymouth due to injuries and they will also face a late fitness test before the Reading game.

Jones also revealed Cardiff's Northern Ireland left-back Tony Capaldi is "on his way back" from knee injury and should be in contention for a first team return next month.