MANAGER Mark Hughes has backed Steven Reid to come back stronger than ever as the injury-plagued midfielder nears his Blackburn Rovers return.

The 26-year-old hasn't kicked a ball in anger for Blackburn since August last year after picking up a back injury.

Then, in January, he sustained an anterior cruciate knee ligament damage in a freak training ground accident as he stepped up his rehabilitation.

And a hamstring injury in pre-season further hampered his quest for fitness.

The Republic of Ireland star has picked up another minor injury, not thought to be serious, and Hughes is FROM BACK PAGE looking forward welcoming back a stronger Reid.

He could be named in next week's squad for the trip to Greece, or for Rovers match against Portsmouth a week on Saturday.

He said: "The little niggles are holding him back somewhat but he's going to pick up little niggles after being out for a year, I think he understands that, but he's been looking strong.

"We hope it's not too serious and we hope to get him back soon. He's very, very close and once he does get back he's going to be some physical athlete for us.

"The power is there for everybody to see and the fact that he's been out has enabled him to strengthen in the areas he had weaknesses. And once he gets games under his belt then he's going to be a real player for us.

"He was a huge player for us when we got to sixth last time and if we can get him back sooner rather than later then his introduction to the team will give us a huge boost."

And Hughes praised Reid's mental strength after a year of setbacks.

He added: "He's been close on a couple of occasions. He was probably within a week of getting back into the first team but unfortunately he did his knee injury after the back operation that he had.

"And the hamstring strain that he picked up, he was maybe a couple of days away from his first game back so it's been really frustrating for him, and at times devastating, but he's picked himself up and he's got a smile on his face. He's back working hard and he's trying to get back on that field for us.

"He's shown huge character. It's soul destroying when you're doing your daily work and you're here longer than everybody else.

"You see the players preparing for games and you're not involved so it takes a lot of mental strength and he's shown that.

"And that strength will mean when he comes back he'll be stronger, fitter and more prepared to make an impact."