Mark Hughes is hoping his Blackburn Rovers strikeforce will be boosted by the return of Franny Jeffers.

Jeffers has been struggling with a groin injury since the back end of November, but he's expected to return to training any day.

Once he's regained his match fitness he will then be in a position to challenge for a first team recall.

"Franny had a tear, it wasn't as if it was just a groin strain, so we've had to wait until that's repaired," said Hughes.

"The last time he came back he broke down, so we've erred on the side of caution this time and hopefully that extra time he has had will enable him to come back stronger."

Once Jeffers is back in the equation that will provide Hughes with the opportunity to give Benni McCarthy a well deserved rest.

Injuries to Jeffers and Jason Roberts have meant that Rovers' 12-goal leading scorer has started all but two of his side's 28 games so far this season.

Hughes is concerned he may suffer from burn-out if he doesn't get a spell out of the firing line.

"A lot of the onus has been placed on Benni and I'm aware of that," said the Rovers boss.

"It's been difficult to give him rests because we've lost Franny and Jason Roberts so it's been hard to share the work load.

"He hasn't complained, though, he's just kept playing and when I feel he needs a rest, and I'm able to give him a rest, then I will obviously try and do that, just to protect the guy.

"He wants to play every week, but it's important that we keep him fresh for games that we're involved in.

"We're hoping to get Jay Roberts back later this month so that will help with the options that I have.

"Matt Derbyshire has also come in and done really well, he's showed a lot of energy and a willingness to work, so he's given me a good option as well.

"So I think there'll be games where I'll be able to take Benni out of the frame and give him the rest that at some point he'll need."