Blackburn have club captain Ryan Nelsen back in their squad as they go in search of their first points of the new Barclays Premier League season at Sunderland.

A knee problem kept the New Zealand defender out of the opener against Manchester City but he has now recovered to boost Sam Allardyce's rearguard.

Vince Grella could feature after coming off the bench last week while new striker Nikola Kalinic is also in contention after his arrival from Hadjuk Split.

Fellow new signing Michel Salgado is yet to receive clearance to play so will have to wait before making his debut.

Long-term absentees Brett Emerton, Steven Reid and David Dunn are all making good progress but are still some way off first-team football.