Heskey back for Villa

Aston Villa striker Emile Heskey will return for the Barclays Premier League clash at Blackburn after being ineligible for the FA Cup replay win over Doncaster.

Midfielder Stiliyan Petrov is also available after serving a one-game ban for incurring five yellow cards.

Skipper Gareth Barry, Gabriel Agbonlahor, former Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel and James Milner are all poised to return after being rested for the cup clash as Villa seek a club record seventh successive away league win.

Team (from): Friedel, Guzan, Luke Young, Davies, Knight, Cuellar, Shorey, Milner, Petrov, Barry, Sidwell, Gardner, Ashley Young, Agbonlahor, Heskey, Carew, Delfouneso, Reo-Coker, Salifou, Osbourne.