MATT Jansen could return to the Rovers squad for Saturday's FA Cup third-round clash at West Bromwich Albion after domestic problems ruled him out of Tuesday night's win over Bolton.
The striker was given permission to travel home but was back at Brockhall today to join Rovers' preparation for the third-round tie at the Hawthorns.
Caretaker boss Tony Parkes confirmed: "He was away in the week because of a family problem but he's back with us today and will be with us for the weekend.
"We are getting quite a few players back now. The squad is getting bigger which is good for me really.
"We have options and it's up to me to choose the right ones," added Parkes, who may be tempted to start again with the forward partnership of Ashley Ward and Nathan Blake that fired effectively against Bolton.
That 3-1 win made it seven games without defeat under Parkes, and he is looking to continue the run by booking a place in round four of the Cup.
He said: "Our league form has been very good and hopefully we can carry that on into the Cup.
"Every time you play you want to win, it's as simple as that.
"Everybody you speak in the game would prefer to get promoted out of their league and we are no different, but we will take the Cup very seriously.
"It's a big competition. We will by no means take it lightly and we are hoping to win on Saturday.
"Our priority is the league but when it comes to Saturday our priority will be to try and get through to the fourth round." And as well as Parkes, the club's hierarchy ranks a Cup run as extremely important.
"There's certainly one person who takes it very seriously and that's the owner. Jack Walker has never seen Blackburn win the FA Cup and from that point of view he makes it known he's very serious about the competition," Parkes added.
As well as Jansen, winger Damian Duff may also be back in contention if he shakes off the hamstring injury which kept him out of the Bolton game.
"We will have a look for the weekend. We are optimistic but until he's 100 per cent we don't know," said Parkes.
Draw specialists West Brom are four places and five points below Rovers in the First Division table.
Brian Little's side has won just twice at home in the league this season, although Parkes is aware that record is likely to count for nothing in the cut-and-thrust of the Cup.
"When you are at home you always tend find that extra yard but we are looking forward to Saturday. It's a little break from the league and hopefully we will progress," he added.
Rovers' scheduled reserve team game against Everton at Ewood Park last night was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article