Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy will return to the Rovers line-up for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Ewood Park.The South African limped off early in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Fulham with a gashed leg but has responded well to treatment and will be available to start.

Roque Santa Cruz is also back after returning from international duty while Matt Derbyshire has passed a test on a thigh injury. David Dunn returns from suspension to give Hughes extra options in midfield.

Rovers (from): Friedel, Brown, Emerton, Nelsen, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Berner, Dunn, Bentley, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Tugay, Roberts, Reid, Mokoena, Khizanishvili, Treacy.

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