McCarthy back for Blackburn

Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy will return to the Rovers line-up for tomorrow night’s Barclays Premier League clash against Aston Villa at Ewood Park.

The South African limped off early in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham with a gashed leg but has responded well to treatment and will be available to start.

Roque Santa Cruz is also back after returning from international duty while Matt Derbyshire has passed a test on a thigh injury. David Dunn returns from suspension to give Hughes extra options in midfield.

The club confirmed Black’s departure on their official website, www.blues.co.uk.

The statement read: “Birmingham City Football Club can confirm that Erick Black has today been released by the club to join Wigan Athletic.

“Black will link up with former Blues boss Steve Bruce at the Latics.

“He had been at St Andrews since July 2004 and leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club.”

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Brown, Emerton, Nelsen, Samba, Ooijer, Warnock, Berner, Dunn, Bentley, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Derbyshire, Tugay, Roberts, Reid, Mokoena, Khizanishvili, Treacy.