Mark Hudson has revealed how Coventry manager Chris Coleman helped to forge his career.

Huds will captain Cardiff City in the home match against Coleman's Coventry City on Tuesday as the third-placed Bluebirds go in search of more promotion points.

Central defender Hudson said: "Coventry made a good start, although they have faltered a bit lately. But Chris is a good manager, his teams work hard and it will be a tough game.

"He helped me come through the youth ranks at Fulham, where he was a mentor to me as a senior pro who played in the same position. His career was cut short by injury, which was harsh, but he is a strong character, and he brings that to his teams."

Hudson also spoke of competition in the City ranks as players return to fitness. He said: "The squad is stronger with most of the players fit and fighting for positions. Guys not involved are looking to get in the team.

"We're a new back five and after a bit of a shaky start we have bedded in. We're unbeaten in the last three games and we're keen to keep that going.

"I'm enjoying playing alongside Anthony Gerrard, who has done well in his first season in this league. He's made the step up with new worries at all. He's athletic, good in the air and on the ball, so for someone that young he must have a bright future."

Dave Jones revealed that he was hopeful of having Jay Bothroyd and Stephen McPhail available against Coventry. Bothroyd was subbed because of an inflamed knee tendon during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, and McPhail has been recovering from an operation to remove a growth from his neck.

Manager Jones said: "Jay saw a specialist on Sunday and had an injection. We'll have to see how he comes on. Steve will see a specialist on Monday and that's another case of wait and see."

With striker Ross McCormack back after two months out with a damaged hamstring, Dave revealed that the club medical team had gone back over the player's progress during the previous 12 months to search for the cause of the injury.

"Part of the trouble was the lad's international commitments with Scotland. In one match, he played half an hour or so before being subbed because one of the Scotland players had been sent off and the team had to be reshaped.

"But it turned out that Ross had driven to Scotland to join the party, a journey that takes six or seven hours, then he had driven back down here. He should have gone up and down by plane. Then he goes into a game cold and gets injured.

"Now he has his rehab to do before training - he has his own personal programme to do before he joins the rest on the training field."