Blackburn Rovers defender Ian Pearce is expected to be fit for the start of the Premiership campaign.

Pearce has not seen action since breaking a leg in the early months of last season and news of his continuing recovery will be another major boost for Rovers boss Ray Harford.

"Ian is making terrific progress and he is getting stronger by the day," confirmed Ewood Park assistant Tony Parkes.

"He's had a long-term injury to deal with and he's worked very hard to get himself back into the frame. We are all very pleased with his progress.

"We are all keeping our fingers crossed that his recovery continues because Ian is a very valuable member of the squad.

"If everything goes to plan then he could be ready for the start of the Premiership campaign, or certainly the very early part of the season."

Both Pearce and Chris Sutton have been put through a strict schedule of work at Lilleshall over the summer in a bid to boost their recovery.

The other long-term injury casualty - defender Graeme Le Saux - is also making rapid steps to full fitness and Parkes revealed: "Graeme is progressing very well too and we may have him back in action for September.

"To have all three back in the squad in the early part of the season would be like having several new signings at the club."

All three Rovers stars were injured before Christmas and, though Sutton made a brief comeback, going on as substitute against Spurs and having a reserve match, he suffered a relapse.

To have any of them back in contention for the big kick-off against Tottenham on August 17 would be a boost to the squad.

LEICESTER City were today linked with former Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Bobby Mimms.

Mimms was released by Rovers last month after six seasons at Ewood Park.

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