Ashley Ward could miss a reunion with one of his former clubs after picking up a virus.

The City striker dropped out of training yesterday morning, complaining of feeling unwell and is a doubt for tonight's big home clash against Leicester.

Ward, who played 15 times under Brian Little for the Foxes between July 1991 and December 1992, will be given as long as possible to shake it off before Nicky Law names his team.

Wayne Jacobs is definitely out with his injured hamstring but Peter Atherton is fit to return after missing two games with a stomach bug.

Law said: "Pete's been able to eat properly over the weekend and he has been fine in training. He will certainly come into consideration."

Ward's fitness could determine whether youngster Danny Forrest gets a start after his wonder goal as a substitute against Walsall.

City were bitterly disappointed to lose their second home game on the bounce against lowly opposition, particularly having won so well at Coventry in between.

But they tend to save their best performances for the big occasions. And Law is hoping that will again be the case against the second-placed side.

Leicester are unbeaten in six games - but have not won at City since 1937.

That record could be under threat if City cannot cope with the aerial threat they can expect from set-pieces.

City were undone by two goals from corners in the 4-0 loss at the Walkers Stadium in September.

Law will warn his men to be on their guard against giving away similar opportunities for Leicester to push the big guns forward.

He said: "You can't afford to give away corners or free-kicks cheaply against them. The players have to be conscious of that at all times.

"They have to take the responsibility individually to get to the ball early and deal with it. Don't give Leicester set-pieces and the chance to get men into our box.

"Otherwise you put yourselves under needless pressure as we found out last time. Down there, we were every bit as good as them for 25 minutes, then suddenly it was 2-0 and we were chasing the game."

City are hoping to arrange a practice match later this week to test the fitness of Andy Myers after his double hernia.