MARK Hughes is hoping David Thompson and Javier De Pedro can be the creative forces behind a Blackburn Rovers revival.

Thompson has been given the all-clear to resume training after recovering from a serious knee injury that has so far limited his season to just 16 minutes of action.

And Hughes has also been impressed by the work-rate of under-achieving Spaniard De Pedro as he attempts to sustain a level of fitness to cope with the Premiership.

Neither player is in contention for selection for tomorrow's visit of Liverpool but Hughes has revealed he is looking forward to Thompson's imminent return.

"It's good news," Hughes told the Evening Telegraph. "He's been away for a check and hopefully he's ready to re-join the first team.

"It will be too soon for this weekend but he has been given the go-ahead to start training again.

"It's taken longer than we thought it would initially so we'll be looking to get him back in as soon as possible.

"This gives us another option and he's good to have around the place. He's nice and loud in the dressing room so it will be good to welcome him back."

Thompson's career has been stalled by injuries for the past two years, and his latest blow came during his only appearance of the campaign against Manchester United in August.

An attempted comeback in the reserves two weeks ago was also deemed too soon so Rovers are easing him back to make sure he doesn't aggravate his previous problems.

Meanwhile, De Pedro hasn't had a look-in since Hughes took over from Graeme Souness and he hasn't even made the bench in any of the new manager's five games in charge.

The Spanish World Cup player featured on the opening day of the season against West Bromwich Albion before being hauled off at half-time.

He then came on for the final 13 minutes of the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, but hasn't played at all in the two months since that game.

But he has been impressing in the reserves and Hughes has admitted he is willing to give the wide man a chance as he searches for ways of boosting Rovers' meagre goal tally.

"Javi didn't play in the reserves this week because he's worked hard and we felt it's time he had a break," added the manager.

"He's done some good physical work but needs to do a little bit more and he may come into contention."

Rovers have no fresh injury problems for the Liverpool game and Tugay will be back after serving a one-match suspension at Chelsea last Saturday.