CHRIS Brown is close to making his first competitive appearance for Blackburn Rovers.

The striker has yet to pull on the blue and white halved shirt since his summer switch from Doncaster.

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But there is every chance he will feature in Rovers’ Lancashire FA Senior Cup clash against Manchester United after taking a major step forward in his rehabilitation from a knee operation.

Brown went under the knife in early September to solve the problem that had troubled since him the start of pre-season.

After two months working with Rovers’ fitness and medical teams the 29-year-old has returned to full training this week along with defender Tommy Spurr.

Both players are likely to play in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Brockhall next week.

And if they come through the match unscathed they could line-up in the quarter-final tie against United at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday week.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer said: “Both Browny and Tommy have joined in with us this week and we’re delighted with their progress.

“Browny has not played a competitive game for us yet so he’s desperate to get out there and play his part – and I’m sure he will over the coming months.

“He looked very good in the crossing and finishing sessions we’ve done and he’s going to give us another option.

“It’s been frustrating for him but what these last couple of months have allowed him to do is get in great physical shape given the amount of time he’s spent with the fitness lads.

“That he’s in such good shape is great credit to him and to the backroom team who work ever so hard with him and the rest of the lads.

“So Browny is hopefully very close to participating and making a contribution to the squad and showing the reason why we brought him in.

“It’s been about a gradual progression with him and, while we don’t want to put him under any pressure, I think the Manchester United game is one that one or two could play a big part in.”

Left back Spurr has yet to kick a ball this season after sustaining a groin injury on the eve of the opener against Cardiff City.

The fans’ favourite has suffered setbacks on his way back to full fitness.

But like Brown, Spurr is nearing a first-team return.

Bowyer said: “It’s been a blow to us and also to the lad himself because he just loves playing football.

“But Tommy has shown great strength to bounce back from the one or two setbacks that he’s had and he’s going to be invaluable to us in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”

Jason Lowe, sidelined since late August with a stress fracture in his foot, has yet to return full training.

But the midfielder is back out on the grass at Brockhall.

Winger Josh King, however, is still laid low with a back problem while defender Matt Kilgallon has not recovered from the knock that ruled him out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.

“Lowey is back on the grass doing some running so we’re delighted with his progress,” said Bowyer, whose in-form side return to Championship action at home to Leeds United on Saturday week.

“The only one a bit slow is Josh King with his back but hopefully he can progress over the next couple of weeks.”