Mark Hughes has some major problems to solve as Blackburn Rovers enter a make-or-break period in their season.

With the treatment room now clear of casualties, Sparky has the rare luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from, with Rovers about to begin a punishing schedule of six games in 23 days.

And that means some big decisions must be made in regard to team selection, which will inevitably lead to some players being disappointed.

However, that is exactly the kind of problem Mark would want at such a key time in the campaign.

Although it makes for an easier life, the last thing any manager wants is a team that picks itself, because that would suggest his squad isn't deep enough.

Instead, you want a number of players battling for each position because that kind of competition is perfectly healthy.

Now, for the first time in a long time, Mark has some serious selection dilemmas of his own, which will severely test his management skills.

Who does he pick in the centre of midfield now that Steven Reid is back from injury? What does he do with his centre-backs when Ryan Nelsen completes his suspension?

And how does he handle Benni McCarthy after the South African allegedly stormed out of Ewood Park before the end of Saturday's game with Newcastle?

All three are tough questions and Mark must provide all the answers over the next few weeks.

However, the Welshman has proved in the past that he's not afraid to risk upsetting his star players if he considers it to be in the best interests of the team.

Already at various points this season, the Rovers boss has dropped McCarthy, Robbie Savage and Morten Gamst Pedersen - decisions that have demonstrated there is no-one bigger than the club.

Being dropped is a major blow to a player's pride so I'm sure the likes of Sav is really hurting after being left out of the team.

But in that situation what you cannot afford to do is sulk in front of the manager, otherwise you will end up slipping even further down the pecking order.

Privately, you can sulk in a quieter moment, but around the training ground you have to puff out your chest, put on a brave face, and work twice as hard as normal in an effort to impress the manager.

It's all about body language and if your body language isn't great then the boss will place his trust in someone else.

Benni was clearly particularly disappointed at being taken off on Saturday and made no attempt to hide that when he left the pitch.

It remains to be seen what impact that has on his relationship with the manager.

I guess we'll find out more when we see the team-sheet for Sunday's game with West Ham.