Blackburn Rovers will have Aynsley Pears fit to return in goal against Middlesbrough whilst Joe Rankin-Costello, Hayden Carter and Sondre Tronstad are expected back after the international break.

John Eustace has been without his number one goalkeeper for the last two matches after he suffered a knock to the head in training. Leopold Wahlstedt has deputised and make several good saves against Plymouth Argyle.

Pears is expected to regain the number one shirt at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday. All the other injured players will be back after the two-week break coming up.

"Aynsley has trained on Tuesday and today, he's back in the group," Eustace said.

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"There is good competition there. He's done well since I came in, he's made some big saves in some big moments.

"Leo has done well too in the last couple of games. There is good competition for places."

Rankin-Costello has been training with the group this week with the hope that he'll be available for selection against Middlesbrough. He has not been available since Eustace's first match, at Birmingham City, after suffering a knee problem.

Carter has been out for seven weeks after a hamstring injury against Huddersfield Town in January. He is slightly ahead of schedule and the hope is that he could play a part against the Tractor Boys too.

"Hayden Carter as well is very close to being back with the squad," he said.

"We have some very good young players coming back which is a boost to the group.

"Hayden is a player I have seen a number of times in the last few seasons. He's a great size, very athletic.

"He's a bit of a leader for a young boy as well so I'm very pleased to have him back soon."

"Joe Rankin-Costello has been joining in which is a great plus for us," he added.

"He's been missing for three or four weeks, he's a really experienced, good player at this level. He's been missing and has joined in with the squad this week.

"He won't be available this week but if we can get a couple of good weeks into him then he can hopefully be back for the Ipswich game.

"He can play a number of positions, he's very talented. He played central midfield in the first couple of games here and did a fine job. 

"He can play full-back, he's a versatile player that we're fortunate to have."

One player who won't be back until next season is Harry Leonard. The striker suffered a back injury which has ruled him out for the final matches.

The young striker will now be focused on a return in pre-season to work with Eustace and his coaching team.

"Harry Leonard has been away for a couple of weeks after the terrible news about his back," Eustace explained.

"He's a positive boy and it's been a pleasure to meet him over this week.

"He's going to be an awesome player coming back next season. Really hungry and I am looking forward to working with him.

"I've heard a lot about him. He's another exciting player that the club have produced. The academy is fantastic and I know the hard work that goes on behind the scenes is very evident.

"The players coming through are top-drawer and I am looking forward to working with them."