Nelsen misses Villa clash

Blackburn will be without Ryan Nelsen for tomorrow’s trip to Aston Villa after the New Zealand defender was advised to rest a hamstring problem.

Zurab Khizanishvili, who this week signed a three-year contract extension at Ewood Park, is set to replace Nelsen in the centre of the Rovers defence as they look to extend their five-match unbeaten run in the league.

Striker Jason Roberts is hoping to keep his place after being rewarded with a rare start against Middlesbrough last week, while Turkish midfielder Tugay is doubtful with a groin injury and South African midfielder Aaron Mokoena is still away on African Nations Cup duty.

Team (from): Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Emerton, Bentley, Pedersen, Dunn, Reid, Tugay, McCarthy, Santa Cruz, Roberts, Berner, Derbyshire, Gallagher, Olsson, Rigters, Treacy, Brown.