Blackburn Rovers injury boost as trio return to training

Michael O'Neill's squad has been battered and bruised since his arrival but there is some positive news with the hope that the two returning defenders could travel to the Potteries.

Cashin missed the Easter programme with a groin issue whilst O'Riordan has missed a month of action. Both trained and will be monitored before the team travels on Friday afternoon.

"Well, we’re hopeful at this point," O'Neill updated on Thursday lunch-time.

“Connor O’Riordan and Eiran Cashin were both on the grass today, which was a positive. Their their training had to be monitored and controlled as well. They  are potential options for the weekend, if not as starters, off the bench.

“So, we just see how things go for them in the next 24 hours, if there’s no reaction and they can train tomorrow, they’ll come into contention.”

Cashin has been a mainstay for Rovers since coming to the club. After a disappointing first half of the season at Birmingham City, he has played almost every minute at Ewood Park.

O'Neill has been impressed by his attitude, as well as his quality.

"I think he's been terrific in the period that I've been at the club," he said.

“Particularly for a player that's here on loan, he's very unselfish. He's fully committed to the situation the club is in and trying to rectify that situation. It's refreshing to see that from a loan player because he doesn't feel like a loan player.

“As I say, I think prior to being injured, in every game he put himself right out there, played either centre-back or left-back and he certainly is a player that we miss when he's not available to us.”

The even better news for Rovers is that Hedges trained with the first-team after his leg break on New Year's Day. There is hope that he could feature before the season ends, though again they will be very cautious with him.

"Hedges trained with the squad today, which is the first time that I've seen him train, which was a bonus," O'Neill said.

"He has to be managed. There's a difference between training and then stepping into a game.

"He's done everything possible to give himself a chance to be fit. He really has pushed. My understanding is that we have a squad and a place in our squad that we could add him to that, if we feel he's going to get to that level.

"It was great to see him on the grass today because I know that he's a player that has a lot to offer."

However, Rovers are still waiting on Augustus Kargbo. He returned after a long lay-off with a thigh injury but then suffered a setback, with no news on whether he'll feature before May.

"Augustus is still with the medical team, so I can't really put a time frame on that. He's one of a number of players that I've not seen train yet.

"We've got maybe three or four players that I've seen very little of at this minute in time since I came into the club. Hopefully, the more bodies we can get back before the end of the season, the better."