JASON Lowe is set to hand Blackburn Rovers a pre-Christmas fitness boost.

The versatile midfielder has been ruled out since September with a stress fracture in his foot.

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But Lowe will take a major step forward in his recovery next week by returning to full training.

And if he suffers no reaction he aims to be back in first-team contention before the busy festive period.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has also received good news on Josh King.

The winger has not played for six weeks with a back problem.

But he is back out on the Brockhall grass with the Rovers strength and conditioning team.

Bowyer said: “Jason Lowe should join us back in training next week while Kingy is back out on the grass which is good because last week we were concerned it was going to be a bit longer.”

Defender Matt Kilgallon remains sidelined with a knee injury he sustained in training three weeks ago.