Blackburn ring in changes

Teenage German midfielder Sergio Peter was handed his first start for Blackburn in today’s FA Cup third-round tie at home to QPR after some good performances in the reserves.

Nineteen-year-old Peter was one of five changes to the side that chalked up their fourth successive victory on Monday against Portsmouth.

Craig Bellamy and Andy Todd were both included in the starting line-up despite hamstring and knee problems respectively. Tugay and David Thompson were also recalled.

QPR, mid-table in the Coca Cola Championship, received a boost before kick off with defender Matthew Rose able to take his place in the team after recovering from an injury to his side.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill, Todd, Khizanishvili, Matteo, Thompson, Savage, Tugay, Peter, Dickov, Bellamy. Subs: Enckelman, Nelsen, Emerton, Kuqi, Pedersen.

QPR: Royce, Bignot, Shittu, Rose, Milanese, Rowlands, Santos, Langley, Cook, Baidoo, Furlong. Subs: Cole, Evatt, Ainsworth, Moore, Donnelly.

Referee: A Marriner (W Midlands).