HEAD coach Scott Parker revealed Robbie Brady and Ben Pearson missed Sunday’s defeat to Derby due to “minor knocks” but could be set for Wednesday’s clash at Millwall.

Pearson picked up an ankle problem against Preston North End before the international break and has since missed Cherries’ past two games.

Brady had been an unused substitute in the previous two encounters before being left out of the squad against the Rams.

Asked by the Daily Echo following the 3-2 loss to Derby why Pearson and Brady both missed out, Parker replied: “Again – minor, minor knocks. Hopefully, maybe they will be back for Wednesday.

“I didn’t want to risk them on Sunday, I just couldn’t afford to do that really. Hence why they weren’t here.”

Republic of Ireland international Brady is yet to play a minute for Cherries since joining the club as a free agent last month.

Speaking about the 29-year-old at his pre-match press conference last week, Parker said: “Robbie is doing very well. He is pushing on.

“He has obviously come in with not a lot of work due to circumstances at the end of the season. We need to tread carefully with Robbie, we don’t want to take any big risks with him.

“He has brought a real energy and experience. He has fitted into the group very well, just like he has been one of us for a long time.”

Cherries were also missing the likes of Lloyd Kelly, Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith for the trip to Pride Park, just their second league defeat of the campaign.