WINGERS Stuart Ripley and Jason Wilcox look certain to figure in Blackburn Rovers manager Ray Harford's plans for Saturday's Premiership clash with Everton, after coming through 90 minutes with the reserve team last night.

Skipper Tim Sherwood also enjoyed a run-out following his two-match suspension to significantly strengthen the manager's hand for Saturday when he also has new £3 million signing Garry Flitcroft available to make his debut.

Ripley, in particular, had an excellent game in what turned out to be a victory cruise over West Bromwich Albion Reserves.

Both he and Wilcox provided plenty of crosses and it was a real boost to see them back in action and ready to challenge for a first team recall after recent injury problems.

It should give the Rovers boss selection problems of a far happier kind for Saturday's game, which is a crucial fixture as far as the chase for UEFA Cup places is concerned.

Among the spectators at Ewood last night was Preston manager Gary Peters. Following the breakdown, because of injury, of his bid to take Middlesbrough keeper Ben Roberts on loan, Peters could have been looking Bobby Mimms.

Or he might have been looking at one or two of Rovers' younger players who made up the defence.

Meanwhile, Harford is believed to have been abroad at the weekend to check on players before Thursday's transfer deadline.

He has taken a particular interest in some of the Spartak Moscow stars and may well have decided to carry out one final check on them.

But it would be a surprise, at this stage, if Rovers were to bring in one of the Russians.

Latest £500 Double Your Money winner is B Burnop, Accrington, number 322A. The Grand National ticket draw will be made tomorrow. Outstanding tickets must be returned by tomorrow morning. Winning numbers will be appear here on Thursday.

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