BENNI McCarthy is a late inclusion in Rovers' starting line-up after Roque Santa Cruz was injured in the warm-up.

MORTEN Gamst Pedersen returns to Rovers' starting line-up for tonight's trip to Villa Park as Paul Ince again keeps people guessing with his selections.

The Norweigan starts for the first time in three games while Keith Andrews makes a rare start in the absence of injured midfielder Keith Grella.

Chris Samba returns to the heart of the defence, after missing Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough, while Andre Ooijer is moved to left back in place of Martin Olsson.

Former Rovers stopper Brad Friedel keeps goal for Villa tonight while John Carew remains on the substitutes bench.

VILLA: Brad Friedel, Luke Young, Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young, James Milner, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stylian Petrov, Nigel Reo-Coker, Nicky Shorey, Carlos Cuellar

SUBS: Brad Guzan, Steve Sidwell, Marlon Harewood, John Carew, Curtis Davies, Zat Knight, Craig Gardner ROVERS: Paul Robinson, Andre Ooijer, Stephen Warnock, Chris Samba, Ryan Nelsen, Brett Emerton, Benni McCarthy, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Keith Andrews, Carlos Villanueva, Danny Simpson

SUBS: Jason Brown, Tugay, Robbie Fowler, Matt Derbyshire, Martin Olsson, Jason Roberts