Chopra has scored two goals in four games this season

Michael Chopra has handed Dave Jones a boost with a goal-scoring return for Cardiff City reserves ahead of their Servernside derby with Bristol City.

The 26-year-old played his first game since rupturing ankle ligaments eight weeks ago in a 5-1 second-string win over Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

Chopra, who scored 21 goals last term, may come into contention when Bristol City visit Cardiff at noon on Saturday.

On-loan Craig Bellamy (knee) also faces a late fitness test for Cardiff.

So boss Jones' striker crisis could be eased as two of his star forwards are set to return as the Championship's second-placed team welcome the bottom club in the division.

Chopra was forced off after 30 minutes in Cardiff's 4-0 win over Doncaster on 21 August after a heavy challenge from Doncaster's Wayne Thomas.

The former England under-21 international played alongside fellow first-teamers Gavin Rae, Stephen McPhail, Solomon Taiwo and Aaron Wildig in the reserves triumph.

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