Emerton set to face Everton

Blackburn utility man Brett Emerton is set to be included in new manager Paul Ince’s squad for the Barclays Premier League clash away to Everton.

The Australian suffered a bruised foot in a pre-season game against Benfica but should be fit, as should star striker Roque Santa Cruz despite a recent Achilles problem.

Also available will be Ryan Nelsen after his return from Olympics duty with New Zealand, although new signing Carlos Villanueva is not expected to feature as he recovers from a bout of chicken pox. Veteran striker Robbie Fowler, who has been training with Rovers, has not yet signed a short-term contract so is unavailable.

Provisional squad: Robinson, Ooijer, Warnock, Samba, Tugay, Nelsen, Emerton, Dunn, Santa Cruz, McCarthy, Pedersen, Khizanishvili, Vogel, Mokoena, Reid, Gallagher, Peter, Derbyshire, Roberts, Simpson, Brown.