BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness is planning to unleash Irish whizz-kid Alan Mahon on Chester City in Saturday's FA Cup clash at Ewood Park.

A knee injury has limited the former Tranmere ace to just two substitute appearances so far since he joined Rovers on loan from Sporting Lisbon last month.

But Souness today revealed the 22-year-old winger is now back in contention for a first team place.

And he will hand the Republic of Ireland Under 21 international his full Rovers debut against Graham Barrow's non-League minnows as he looks to rest a couple of his key players.

"It was a blow for Alan to get injured so soon after signing, especially with it being such an innocuous thing as well," said Souness.

"But now he's back in training and looking to make up for lost time and he will start on Saturday.

"It's not ideal because he hasn't been able to get much match practice in because of the time of year and the weather conditions.

"But he's only a young boy and I think he carries reasonable fitness so he's back in the reckoning."

Goalkeeper Brad Friedel is also back in contention after recovering from the bang on the head he sustained in the Boxing Day victory over Birmingham.

Souness plans to rest some of his squad after a gruelling Christmas period of five games in 16 games.

So the likes of John Curtis, Stig Bjornebye and Mark Hughes could all make way for the likes of Jeff Kenna and Craig Hignett to get some match action.

"I'll play a strong team but I am looking to rest a couple of players," said Souness.

"The likes of John Curtis, Stig Bjornebye and one or two others have all played a lot of games recently.

"But we feel we've got the resources to still field a strong enough side."