Johnsen back for Villa

Aston Villa’s Norwegian international central defender Ronny Johnsen and Turkish defender Alpay return to the squad for Sunday’s Premiership trip to Blackburn Rovers.

The former Manchester United defender has missed the last two games with a thigh strain.

England international striker Darius Vassell and Turkish international central defender Alpay also hope to return to action this weekend. Both missed last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United through illness.

But Vassell, who was sidelined by a chest infection against United, is now struggling with a bruised foot and is a slight doubt.

Aston Villa (provisional squad): Enckelman, Delaney, Mellberg, Alpay, Johnsen, Staunton, Samuel, De La Cruz, Kinsella, Hendrie, Taylor, Hitzlsperger, Barry, Vassell, Crouch, Angel, Dublin, S Moore, Allback, Leonhardsen, Postma.