LORENZO Amoruso could make a return to first team action for Blackburn's critical Easter programme.

Rovers boss Graeme Souness has revealed that he intends to include the Italian defender in the squad for Saturday's home game with Leeds United, who lie second from bottom of the Premiership just three points behind Blackburn.

It puts the centre-half in contention for his first Premiership start since September's game against Fulham, who provide Rovers' opposition on Easter Monday.

Amoruso was initially set for a comeback against Portsmouth two weeks ago when he made the bench but didn't take part. However, his rehabilitation suffered a minor setback last weekend and he was missing from the 16 that travelled to Anfield.

But Amoruso's track back into the Rovers defence has been accelerated by Craig Short's calf injury, which he faces a late test on tomorrow.

And Souness is keen to have last summer's capture from Rangers playing a part in the relegation battle.

"Lorenzo will be in the squad and I hope he will play," said Souness.

"He was due to return a couple of weeks ago but he felt the kicking muscle at the top of his thigh.

"He's had an operation on his knee and after being out for the best part of five months, we eased him back. But he's now back training and will join the squad tomorrow."

Amoruso became a favourite with Rovers fans in the first few games of the season, as he scored a couple of valuable trademark goals from corners.

However, he struggled to cope with the pace of the Premiership against the likes of Michael Owen and Nicolas Anelka, although he was often playing in agony as his knee problem gradually worsened.

Another option in the centre of defence for Souness could be Nissa Johansson and Andy Todd, who stemmed the flow of goals when they paired up for the second half of Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Anfield.

But whichever combination is chosen, the return of Amoruso is a welcome boost to the squad a day after Barry Ferguson was finally ruled out for the rest of the campaign.