OWEN Coyle is hopeful that Charlie Mulgrew and Corry Evans will be fit for Blackburn Rovers’ Boxing Day trip to Barnsley.

Mulgrew has missed the last two defeats to with a groin injury, while Evans was absent from the defeat to Reading with the same problem.

But manager Owen Coyle is hopeful that both will be fit for the Oakwell visit as Rovers look to arrest a run of three consecutive defeats.

“Charlie has responded well to the treatment,” Coyle revealed.

“Corry Evans has had an injection to try and get him back on track.

“With Corry it is a long-standing injury and one that hasn’t helped anyone.

“He is a terrific player but we want to be in a situation where he can play every week but he is in with a chance of playing over the Christmas period.

“I think Mulgrew has a decent chance of being available, he’s an invaluable player, so we’re hopeful of having one or two back.”
Rovers will also welcome back Gordon Greer having served a one match suspension following his red card in the defeat to Brighton on December 13.

Jason Lowe picked up his 10th yellow card, triggering an automatic two match, in the Reading defeat, leaving a space open in central midfield.

Evans would be the likely candidate to fill that void, though Mulgrew would be an option should be fit, to partner Hope Akpan at Barnsley.

Danny Guthrie is still out injured, while Elliott Ward, Adam Henley and Tommie Hoban are longer-term absentees.

Coyle also confirmed that Craig Conway will replace Lowe as captain for the games against Barnsley and Huddersfield.