Blackburn Rovers: Thompson nearing return

Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Thompson moved a step closer to a return to first-team action when he was given the go ahead to resume training. The 27-year-old missed most of last season following knee surgery and his absence proved to be a major loss as Rovers battled against the drop.

He returned to first-team action in August but lasted just 17 minutes of his comeback game against Manchester United before suffering an ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines ever since.

New boss Mark Hughes has not been able to select Thompson so far, but is looking forward to seeing him back in action.

"David's been to see a specialist in Europe this week, he came back and he is very positive about his situation," Hughes told the club's official website.

"He's been given the green light, so we'll get him into training, get a couple of games under his belt and take it from there.

"I'm looking forward to having him back with the squad."

Thompson has managed just 35 Premiership appearances for Rovers since his 1.5million move from Coventry City in August 2002

4thegame

thompson nearing return

Like any manager arriving midway through the first part of this season, Mark Hughes may well have been counting the days until he was allowed to bring in his own players.

And yet, for 34 minutes as Blackburn Rovers showed spirit and quality to get earn a 3-3 draw against Birmingham that had looked all over at half-time, Hughes may well have been wondering if the player that will have the biggest impact on his early tenure at the club is already numbered within his squad.

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