Colin Todd is looking for City to burst out of the blocks at the Galpharm tomorrow.

Todd knows all about the helter-skelter nature of local derbies, having experienced the likes of Sunderland and Newcastle and Derby against Nottingham Forest.

And he is well aware that the side that makes the quickest start tends to finish on top. So he doesn't want anyone napping when the whistle sounds at noon.

Todd said: "If you aren't mentally right and in good starting positions, then the game could be won or lost in the first 20 minutes. I expect Huddersfield to throw everything at us early on.

"We have to withstand that and get on with our passing game as best we can.

"Discipline is always important, not just individually but as a team in terms of keeping your shape. But the players are professional people, they know what's required and know to walk away if there's any trouble."

City head into their first clash with Huddersfield since 1999 in good health. Only Tom Kearney is definitely ruled out of contention.

Zema Abbey and Darren Holloway are back and Dean Windass is hoping to be fit after returning to training yesterday.

Owen Morrison is also pressing for a first start after his lively cameo in the final 15 minutes against Walsall. If he gets the nod for the left-wing slot, Todd must choose between Lewis Emanuel and Wayne Jacobs to play behind him.

Todd said: "Some people are going to be disappointed at being left out but that's part and parcel of football. There is always a reason why you are left out.

"But it's pleasing for me to have others coming back and being able to choose. At such a busy period of the season you need those different options.

"Zema will be raring to go after what has happened. It's probably been a bit of a disaster for him so far, coming to the club and then only getting 20 minutes of football before missing three weeks.

"It was self-inflicted and he will feel he's let himself and the team down. But he has trained well and knows he will have to work extremely hard to lead the line with whoever is alongside him."

City have shone in front of bumper crowds at Hull and against Sheffield Wednesday and Todd is confident they

can perform on the big stage again tomorrow.

"We've come through some testing times this season and this is just another test for us. As manager, you try and treat every game in the same way but you know these derbies are bigger ones to lose - and there is an even greater feeling if you can win them.

"Our young players have come of age this season and they will be relishing another big occasion. We're due another good away performance."