Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is looking forward to welcoming back captain Ryan Nelsen against Reading following a 10-week injury lay-off.New Zealand international centre-back Nelsen finally appears to have resolved an ongoing problem sparked in the summer of 2006.

Nelsen required surgery to re-attach a tendon at the top of his hamstring that had torn away from the bone, followed by lengthy rehabilitation.

Although Nelsen made a comeback midway through last season, he pushed himself into action too soon as the injury has flared on occasion this term before eventually forcing him out in January.

Nelsen had not allowed enough time to heal, so aggravating scar tissue and causing pain that led to a stark deterioration in his performances.

Rest and strengthening work have since aided his cause, and after a 60-minute run-out in the reserves last week, he is poised for a return against the Royals at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

With Christopher Samba suspended, Nelsen may even start, although Hughes is simply delighted the 30-year-old is back in contention.

"We're a lot more positive about it (the injury), and Ryan is as well," said Hughes.

"He didn't do himself any favours, but that's because he is a true captain who wants to lead from the front, and he was prepared to put his body on the line.

"In the end, it was probably the wrong decision, but we are really glad he is in better shape now.

"He has worked hard this week, just to put a bit more work into himself.

"He was very pleased with the way the reserve game went last week, getting 60 minutes under his belt.

"So he comes into my thinking again, but I will see where we are come tomorrow because we need to make sure we've fit bodies.

"Although we would like to think Ryan will be one of those."

On the back of three wins and a draw in their last five matches, Rovers are still pushing for a European place.

Although against a resurgent Reading side who have won three of their last four games to haul themselves five points clear of the relegation zone, Hughes is taking nothing for granted.

"Reading still need points on the board, although they've had a couple of recent results that have buoyed them and they will be on a high because of that," added Hughes.

"Prior to their recent good form I was surprised by their dip because they are strong and good at set plays, and when you've a team like that then they will always be a threat.

"But they seem to have turned a corner, so I wouldn't expect them to be relegated this season. I think they've more than enough to steer clear of that.

"We just have to get on with what we can affect, and hope results go for us like they did last weekend.

"We simply need to win the vast majority of our remaining games, and if we do that, then we will go close to European football."

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