Roeder rings some big changes for the Rams – starting with the skipper

It is one of Glenn Roeder's favourite lines – that he has no favourites. Doesn't do them. No-one's safe.

A point he proved in no uncertain terms this afternoon as he dropped skipper Mark Fotheringham to the bench and handed Darel Russell the armband.

A big call, though Fotheringham might be the first to admit that his form has dipped of late. Better against Southampton, the Canary captain didn't have the best of afternoons at Oakwell last weekend as the 6ft 2in Anderson de Silva won the midfield battle with ease.

And found Roeder pointing fingers in that direction afterwards; that that was the first time this season that his side had been overwhelmed in the middle of the park.

Clearly the City boss had seen little to improve his midfield mood in the 2-0 defeat at St Mary's in midweek.

The fact that Sammy Clingan had returned ahead of schedule from his nasty shoulder injury helped his hand; that the former Forest man – labelled one of City's most consistent performers by Roeder after he disappeared on Northern Ireland duty – was also booked in for a swift return.

Russell's versatility – and his uncomplaining nature in the midst of his stand-in striker duties – has clearly done him a favour or two with the boss. Today he gained his reward.

Fotheringham's exit was not the only change of major note with Adam Drury reported to be the one handed the centre-half gig next to Elliot Omosuzi.

All of which found Ryan Bertrand returning to his usual full-back beat – allowing Omar Koroma to keep his starting place, albeit away out on the left.

It was a role he was assigned at St Mary's. And beat his full-back nigh-on every time with his pace and power. And the kind of unpredictability you get with youth.

Two, big chances apart, the teenager deserved a second bite of the cherry; deserved to be there or thereabouts despite Leroy Lita's arrival.

He duly partnered Antoine Sibierski up front; if interested, he and Koroma ought to give the visiting Rams something to ponder.

The one final name to mention was that of David Bell who – finally – made his first appearance, if on the bench following his summer-long ankle injury.