BLACKBURN ROVERS boss Mark Hughes may consider offering Andy Todd a route back into the team following his successful cameo against Newcastle United at the weekend.
Todd got his first taste of action since he was dropped during the first week of the season when he came on as a second-half substitute in Saturday's 3-1 defeat to the Magpies.
With a one-match ban now potentially hanging over Stephane Henchoz, and Zurab Khizanishvili still struggling to shake off a groin problem, Hughes may turn to Todd for Saturday's trip to Reading after being impressed by the defender's attitude.
"I thought Andy was ready and able to do the job I asked of him," said Hughes.
"He's not had a great deal of football this year, but he came in and was very solid."
Rovers have appealed against Henchoz's sending off at the weekend, on the grounds that the former Swiss international did not deny Obafemi Martins an obvious goalscoring opportunity' when he pulled him down in the 40th minute.
If that appeal is rejected by an FA disciplinary panel, which was due to meet today, then Henchoz would be banned for the trip to the Madejski, meaning Hughes could be without as many as seven first teamers.
"We can't afford to lose too many more bodies," said the Rovers boss.
"It's a bit difficult at the moment because we are stretched to the limit, but suspensions will have an impact.
"We're also getting a few injuries on top of the long-term ones, so we need to get a few players back.
"That won't happen for a number of weeks, so we go with what we've got. We'll pick ourselves up and go again.
"The squad will have to be used because we are down to the bare bones. Players will have to come in and have an impact."
After six defeats from their last eight league games, Rovers are now hovering precariously above the relegation zone.
But Hughes knows what is required to turn the situation around, adding: "We need to approach games in exactly the same manner as we did in the second-half against Newcastle.
"The qualities that we need - determination, a willingness to go that extra yard for the cause and looking after your team-mates - we saw on Saturday, and they will see us through this period.
"We just hope things will turn around very quickly."
