PAUL Downing and Corry Evans returned to training today to put themselves in contention for Saturday’s home game with Portsmouth.

The pair have both missed Rovers’ last two games with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, but should they come through training tomorrow, will be involved in the matchday 18 this weekend.

Downing will be a particularly big boost for Rovers who have kept three clean sheets in the three games that the MK Dons loanee has featured, but looked less secure at the back without him. 

Evans meanwhile has been something of a fixture in the middle of the park alongside Richie Smallwood this season and could be set for a return against Pompey.

“It was their first day back training today and they came through the session all right,” boss Tony Mowbray said.

“The big key on any player coming back, as Corry proved last week when he trained on the Thursday but didn’t make the weekend, let’s see how they react.

“If they come through training tomorrow then they will be in the squad and available for selection.

“If Paul gets in the team and we keep another three clean sheets on the bounce then we probably did miss him in those games.

“He has to first get fit and then if selected at the weekend he has to perform as he has done the last three games he has played.”