BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes today received a triple injury boost with the news that three of his first team squad are ready to make a comeback.

David Thompson, Andy Todd and Steven Reid are all set to feature in tonight's reserve game against Leeds United at Morecambe's Christie Park.

And the hope is that all three could be in contention for a first team return by the time Rovers come to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday week.

Todd and Reid have not kicked a ball in anger in the Premiership since April, while Thompson has made just one top-flight appearance in the last 11 months.

But the trio made a welcome return to training last week and the medical staff have since given all three the green light to figure against Leeds this evening.

News of their imminent return has delighted Hughes, who is currently away with the Welsh international squad.

The 40-year-old wants as many options at his dispossal as possible as he looks to instigate a revival in Rovers' fortunes.

And having Todd, Reid and Thompson to call on would undoubtedly strengthen his hand at a crucial time in the season.

It's unlikely any of the trio would be ready to step straight back in against Middlesbrough on Saturday.

But the trip to Chelsea on Saturday week and the home game against Liverpool the week after are more realistic targets, assuming there's no further set-backs in their rehabilitation.

"Obviously, I've been keeping in close contact with Mark Bowen and he's been saying they are looking good, so that's a bonus for us," said Hughes.

"They'll play in the reserves (tonight) but as for Saturday, we'll have to wait and see when I get back."

Reid has spent the last two months recovering from a broken bone in his foot, while Todd has been sidelined by a knee injury that required minor surgery earlier this season.

Thompson, meanwhile, attempted a comeback from a more serious knee problem against Manchester United in August but lasted just 16 minutes before hobbling off with an ankle injury.

However, all three have performed well in training over the last week or so under the guidance of assistant manager Bowen, who has been holding the fort in Hughes's absence, and are desperate to return.

"Any footballer just wants to get a run of games under his belt to get match fitness," said Reid.

"I can't wait to get playing again, I want to show what Steven Reid the footballer is all about.

"I would love to play for 90 minutes (tonight), but that's probably asking a bit too much."

Those thoughts were also echoed by Todd, who is looking to make a fresh start under the new manager after his Rovers career had hit the buffers in the latter stages of Graeme Souness's reign.

"It's like starting all over again, I am really looking forward to playing.

"I'm well settled and very happy at Blackburn. It's just frustrating watching the lads and not being out there helping the team."

Meanwhile, Barry Ferguson is still struggling with a hamstring injury and may miss Scotland's game against Moldova tomorrow.

The 26-year-old has flown out with the rest of the squad but rates his chances of playing as no better than 50/50.

"It will be a last minute one but I'm going because I want to help Scotland. I want to help Berti Vogts," said Ferguson.

"Right now, I would rate myself as only 50-50 to be honest. I'm struggling to be fit to face Moldova but I will be on that plane."

Elsewhere, Jonathan Stead is on England Under 21 duty in Azerbaijan today and Peter Taylor's side will be looking for a fourth successive win in the group.