BLACKBURN Rovers duo Robbie Savage and Steven Reid have handed manager Mark Hughes a double injury boost.

Savage could be back for next week's trip to Fulham after he was given the all-clear to resume full training yesterday, less than three weeks after undergoing minor surgery on a knee problem.

And fellow midfielder, Reid, is also expected to start training again on Monday after a second scan on his hamstring confirmed he did not suffer any serious damage during Tuesday night's reserve match with Liverpool.

News of Savage's imminent return is particularly timely for Hughes, as David Dunn is suspended for the Fulham game as a result of his sending off at Manchester United.

Reid was also hoping to be ready in time for the trip to Craven Cottage but, after limping off just 28 minutes into Tuesday night's reserve match with Liverpool, he is now likely to have another run-out with the second string before Hughes considers him for a first-team recall.

Nevertheless, the results of the second scan came as a relief to the Republic of Ireland international, who initially feared he was facing another lengthy lay-off.

Chairman John Williams said: "There was some evidence of a small nick, perhaps caused by the releasing of some scar tissue, but, as I understand it, Steven will start training again on Monday, which is great news.

"Sav also trained for the first time yesterday and he was full of it afterwards, so he should be in contention for the Fulham game."

With Savage and Reid now on the comeback trail again, that leaves Jason Roberts as the only senior first teamer on the injured list.

The striker is making good progress in his recovery from a thigh injury, but the Fulham game next Sunday may come a week too soon.