BLACKBURN Rovers will welcome back Elliott Bennett from a two-match ban for tonight’s home game with Derby County.

Bennett has missed Rovers’ last two outings through suspension having been sent off after the final whistle in the controversial defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on February 14.

The 28-year-old will provide new head coach Tony Mowbray with a number of options should he wish to change things up after Friday’s draw at Burton Albion.

The midfielder is the only player expected to return to the fold from the game at the Pirelli Stadium, though defenders Elliott Ward and Tommie Hoban are nearing a return to the action after lengthy absences.

Corry Evans has trained with the first team in the last week, but remains under the watchful eye of the physios as they monitor his ongoing groin problem.

Full-back Adam Henley hasn’t featured since August, but could step up his rehabilitation with an outing for the Under-23s in Thursday’s Premier League Cup clash with Sunderland (12noon).

Mowbray said: “Hopefully between now and the end of the season we don’t pick up too many more injuries and we can get stronger with the players we’ve got to come back.

“They will be striving to force their back in to the team.

“If they aren’t coming back in then that will mean that the team is winning football matches and functioning well. To have the competition and pressure on the incumbents in the team from those looking to get in to the team is important, and that you have good players who can replace good players.”