Dom Hyam is itching to return from injury to help Blackburn Rovers but insists he must remain patient as he steps up his recovery.

The defender has been out since hurting his ankle against Millwall at the end of October. It is the second time Hyam has suffered the same ankle issue but, after specialist advice, avoided surgery.

The 27-year-old is forecasted to return towards the end of December in what will be a huge boost to Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad. Hyam has been an integral part of the team since joining from Coventry City and considering the injury issues at the moment, it is all hands on deck.

Hyam has begun running outside as he steps up his rehabilitation, with light training sessions to follow. He’ll then progress into full contact and no doubt take part in internal and Under-21 games to build his fitness before being available for selection.

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It’s been a frustrating period for the vice-captain but he is adamant that he can’t rush his recovery and risk suffering a setback which would probably involve going under the knife.

"It's really frustrating being out, nobody wants to be injured for any period of time,” he said. “It’s been good so far, I am getting stronger, it’s been a bit of a process but I’m not back out on the grass in the last few days, doing some basic running.

"Touch wood, that all goes to plan and I can get back soon. It’s a tricky one, you’re in every game, you’re around the lads until it’s matchday.

“You still have a role to play, the manager has said everyone has got their important roles to play throughout the season, injured or not.

“I am a cheerleader at the moment, that is the way it is. I still want the lads to do really well and hopefully, if and when I am back, we are around the play-offs still.

“Hopefully that will strengthen the squad and give the manager another option to use. It’s definitely tricky, you want to be out there training but I have to be patient, I don’t want to rush back and it happen again.

“I am working hard with the physios to make sure it’s right before I try and come back.”

Rovers are once again on the periphery of the play-off places, trailing Hull City by two points despite budget cuts in the summer. Tomasson continues to get the best out of a young group, whose oldest player is 28.

At one one-year senior, Hyam is among the leaders in the group. He thinks the start to the season has been steady and spoke openly about his role in mentoring some of the younger players in the squad, such as Tom Atcheson and Pat Gamble.

"So far, it's been a bit up and down, we don't draw too many games around here, do we?" he said. "As the gaffer has said, we are a young and inexperienced team, learning on the job.

"So far, so good, we have played some good games with good performances. I think it's been good so far.

“We joke every now and then that the oldest lad in the team is Ryan Hedges, 28. I’m not far behind that, we lost some experience last year and didn’t really replace them.

“We have taken that role upon ourselves, five or six of us are a senior-ish group. Every squad has to have leaders, on and off the pitch, and we all chip in.

“Maybe subconsciously, you’re trying to help the younger lads, even without meaning to. I am always trying to help everyone and make sure they’re up to standard. That is what creates a good team, driving standards that includes the young lads too.”

Hyam was speaking to RoversChat to raise awareness for Blackburn Rovers Fans’ Takeover against Watford on December 23. Supporters can take advantage of reduced tickets priced at £11 for adults, with one pound donated to the Community Trust, and there will also be plenty of events on around the ground for fans to get involved with.

With a cost-of-living crisis still gripping the nation, these kinds of initiatives are vital to maintaining a vibrant atmosphere at Ewood Park and ensuring football remains accessible to everyone.

“I am loving it, so far so good,” Hyam said on life at Ewood Park. “I’ve loved every moment apart from the odd injury. It’s been really good, the fans have taken to me. I’ve moved into the area now so I am settled. I have loved every minute so far.

“It’s massive and a great initiative from the club. Everyone knows things are tough, cost of living crisis at the moment with everything going on. That can only be a good thing, fans paying 10, 11 quid rather than 20-odd pounds for a game. It is a lot for some people at the moment.

“I am all for it and hopefully we can get some bigger numbers in.”