Samba not in Rovers squad

Blackburn boss Steve Kean made five changes to his side following last Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Newcastle for the Barclays Premier clash with Fulham.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson, midfielder David Dunn and winger Junior Hoilett all returned from injury, whilst defender Jason Lowe and striker Ayegbeni Yakubu were restored to the starting line-up.

There was no place, though, for captain Christopher Samba, seemingly sidelined again through injury, despite the fact he is a wanted man and this week made it clear he would like to quit Rovers.

As for Fulham, they showed just one change from the 4-0 FA Cup win over Charlton, with Damien Duff replacing the benched Kerim Frei.

For apparent Blackburn target Andrew Johnson, the striker was named as a substitute after missing the last four games with a groin problem.

Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Hanley, Givet, Olsson, Nzonzi, Pedersen, Dunn, Petrovic, Hoilett, Yakubu.

Subs: Bunn, Formica, Rochina, Goodwillie, Vukcevic, Morris, Henley.

Fulham: Stockdale, Kelly, Senderos, Hangeland, John Arne Riise, Murphy, Dembele, Dempsey, Duff, Zamora, Ruiz.

Subs: Etheridge, Sidwell, Johnson, Kasami, Hughes, Frei, Davies.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)