Pearce back for Fulham

Fulham central defender Ian Pearce is set for an instant return to the side for tomorrow’s Barclays Premiership visit to Blackburn Rovers, after serving a one-match ban in the midweek 2-1 home win over Arsenal.

Pearce, sent off in last Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat by Reading, could replace Phillippe Christanval – with manager Chris Coleman reluctant to risk starting with the Frenchman twice in four days following his lengthy injury absence.