VETERAN midfielder Craig Hignett made a welcome return from injury in last night's reserve clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

Hignett played a full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with the Owls and marked his comeback by claiming a late equaliser after a shot from Alan Morgan took a deflection off the former Barnsley man.

The 33-year-old had been sidelined for three months after breaking his leg during a loan spell with Coventry.

But now he's back on the comeback trail, he's hoping to play some part in the first team between now and the end of the season, even though he has resigned himself to leaving Ewood in the summer.

"It was Craig's first game back and he was a bit tentative and a bit hesitant but it's going to take him a few games to get his confidence back," said reserve boss Alan Murray.

"He was doing well in his rehab so the medical staff said he was ready to play a part so we decided to start with him and see how it went and he ended up staying on for the full 90 minutes."

Hignett has only started one game for Rovers this season in the 1-1 UEFA Cup draw with CSKA Sofia earlier this season.

But the fact he is now in a position to get some action under his belt means he has the chance to put himself in the shop window again.

Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Frank De Boer today said he was flattered by Press reports linking him with a summer move to Rovers, although the club maintain he is NOT a serious target.

Several stories have appeared suggesting Rovers boss Graeme Souness plans to sign the 33-year-old Dutch international at the end of the season.

But although Souness did make a tentative enquiry some time ago via a third party, his name does not feature on the list of targets the manager recently handed to chief executive John Williams and his board of directors.

That hasn't stopped De Boer from expressing a desire to move to Rovers, however, in the unlikely event that Souness was to resurrect his initial interest.

"I am aware that Graeme Souness has been in contact with my representatives about a move to Blackburn this summer and I am honoured by his interest," said De Boer.

"I have not yet spoken to him personally because this is a very busy time for me because of Barcelona's preparations for our Champions League quarter-final with Juventus but I am happy to hear about the discussions so far.

"I have seen Blackburn on television in Spain a number of times this season and I've liked the way they try to play.

"They have a good style and some exciting young players with good technique and talent.

"Blackburn look to me to be a team moving forwards not backwards."

"Mr Souness has a good reputation as a manager and I can see myself playing for him.

"The club are also in contention for a UEFA Cup place next season. European football is an important consideration when looking for a new club but it is not the only factor.

"But no final offer has been made by Blackburn so I cannot say what will happen in the summer.

"I am still in discussions with Barcelona about extending my contract but I cannot wait for ever to see what happens."