Samuel and McGann back in for Villa

Aston Villa were boosted by the return of defender Jlloyd Samuel and midfielder Gavin McCann who had missed the Christmas programme with groin and knee problems respectively.

Samuel slotted in at left-back which allowed Gareth Barry to revert to his more accustomed midfield position.

McCann took up his place in the centre of midfield with manager David O’Leary resting Steve Davis and Mathieu Berson.

Luke Moore came in up front in place of Carlton Cole who had not recovered fully from his hamstring problem.

Villa refused to comment on reports they have not received permission to speak with Southampton striker James Beattie for whom they have lodged a £6m (€8.5m)bid.

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes made one change from the side which won at Bolton with the injured Jay Bothroyd replaced by Jonathan Stead in attack.

Aston Villa: Sorensen, De la Cruz, Mellberg, Ridgewell, Samuel, Solano, McCann, Hendrie, Barry, Angel, Luke Moore. Subs: Delaney, Postma, Berson, Davis, Stefan Moore.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Johansson, Todd, Matteo, Reid, Flitcroft, Ferguson, Emerton, Dickov, Stead. Subs: Enckelman, Pedersen, Gallagher, Thompson, McEveley.

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire)