Blackburn Rovers will be without Joe Rankin-Costello against Preston North End but welcome back Scott Wharton and John Buckley to the squad.

Wharton has missed Rovers' last two matches with illness after a virus in the camp. Buckley has been out for three months after shoulder surgery and was also out with the same bug.

Rankin-Costello will miss Saturday's match after going off injured against Birmingham City with a knee injury. He has been sent for a scan with the hope that it is nothing too concerning.

"Scotty will join the squad again which will be a big plus to us," Eustace said.

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"Bucko as well, it's great to have those two boys back in the fold. They have great experience, lots of Championship games under their belt.

"They have come through, the work rate from both boys has been very good, it's good to have them back in.

"Joe won't be available. He has gone for a scan on his knee so he won't be available for Saturday. We will see the results of that and he won't be available on Saturday."

Buckley hasn't been in a Blackburn Rovers squad since August after falling out of favour under Jon Dahl Tomasson. 

He scored in his last appearance for the club against Harrogate Town, an eight-goal victory in the Carabao Cup. 

It has been a stop-start 12 months for Buckley after injury and a disrupted loan at Sheffield Wednesday. Eustace sees big potential in the academy graduate and hopes to see him kick on under his reign.

"I have been a big admirer of John over the years," Eustace said. 

"Just coming into the building at the end of last week, he greeted me with a big smile. He said he can't wait to get going.

"John is a good player, let's see where he is on his fitness levels but having him back in the group is a big boost.

"I hope he can play a part. John hasn't played a lot of football so it will be difficult for him to come straight back in and play at the level he wants to.

"He is a great experienced player, he has come through the academy here and I've been a big fan of him over the years. We will give him every opportunity to play well."