DARREN Peacock is set for a return to action in tomorrow night's reserve clash against Barnsley at Ewood.

The experienced defender has missed the last three games after picking up a calf strain.

But manager Graeme Souness today revealed the former Newcastle man will feature against the Tykes tomorrow.

Midfield hard-man Lee Carsley is also set to step up his own comeback in the same game.

And defensive duo Callum Davidson and Simon Grayson have also been pencilled in for action after missing Saturday's 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United.

"Darren will play against Barnsley and it's a good boost to have him back in contention for the run-in," said Souness.

"And Lee Carsley, Callum Davidson and Simon Grayson will also play."

Souness had a further injury boost yesterday when keeper John Filan returned to light training after an operation on his shoulder.

The Aussie stopper has been missing from the first team for the last two and a half months but it's unlikely he will return until next season now.

"It's great to see John back but we are not thinking of rushing him back this season," said Souness.

However, Craig Short will not be in contention for a first team return on Saturday against Wolves -- even though his latest injury problem looks like proving only short term.

Short picked up a thigh injury in a sound performance at Nottingham Forest although a scan has dismissed fears of any serious damage. But the Rovers central defender is itching to get back as soon as possible because he believes big things could soon be happening under Souness at Ewood and he wants to be part of them.

The former Everton man has been hugely impressed by the manner in which the new boss has taken control, and especially by the way he has gone about trying to instil more confidence in the players with a positive and constructive approach.

Having worked closely with Souness ally Walter Smith at Everton last season before joining Rovers, he has also had an extra insight into the man now settling very comfortably into the Ewood hot seat.

And, if Souness turns out to have anything like the kind of influence for the better that Smith has exerted at Goodison, then Short certainly won't be complaining.

"Walter talks very highly of Graeme and he was one of the best managers I have worked with," said the player.

"The lads are understandably very nervous when a new manager comes in, especially someone with such a big reputation.

"You don't really know what to expect.

"But his speech before the Fulham game was very constructive and he is trying to give people more confidence.

"Hopefully, we can be more confident with the ball.

"We need that with our attacking options. "In our present position you tend to sit deep and try to defend a lead. Whereas, if you are top of the league, you would push on a bit after going in front."

The big defender missed last Saturday's game against Sheffield United after appearing in all of the new boss's first three matches and he was desperately unlucky to be injured in what was virtually the last action of the game at Forest.

But he aims to be back in the thick of the action very quickly and he relishes the physical side of the game.

"In this league, it's more of a physical battle, because teams tend to be a little more direct than in the Premiership," he added.

"It means more of a physical test but you expect that."

Tickets are now on open sale for Rovers' forthcoming home clashes against Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic.

Pompey visit Ewood on Saturday, April 15 while Alan Curbishley's Charlton are the visitors on Monday, April 24 -- international call-ups depending.

Prices range from £15-20 (adults), £10 (senior citizens) and £8 (juniors).

Tickets may be purchased in person at the ticket office, by postal application, or by phoning the ticket hot-line on 08080 10 10 10.

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