Revitalised Halford back in contention

Neil Warnock has brought the 31-year-old back into the team and used him in a variety of roles, most effectively in front of the back four.

Halford only missed out against Derby last week through a one-match suspension for his red card against Middlesbrough and has become an important player again.

“I must say I am really glad he is back with us,” said Warnock. “The way he plays, it was a big hole to fill and no disrespect to the players who have come in, but he's on the top of his game and probably playing as well as anybody in the Championship at the moment in my opinion.

“We can't afford to lose players like that so I hope we don't get any more silly sending-offs.”