DEFENDER Henning Berg today declared himself fit and ready for a return to first-team action after making his comeback in the reserves last night.

Berg brought an end to his three-month injury nightmare when he came through 65 minutes unscathed against Sunderland at Morecambe's Christie Park.

News of the Norwegian's return from a serious Achilles injury is sure to come as a timely boost to Rovers boss Graeme Souness.

And, with Lucas Neill and Andy Todd both suspended for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, the 33-year-old could even have put himself in the frame for an early recall at Villa Park.

"That was my first game for a few months so I was delighted to play," said Berg.

"I didn't feel anything so it was a very good work-out from that point of view.

"I've been training for nearly two weeks now and I feel fine.

"So that was the next step and if there's no reaction today then I'm available for Sunday if needed."

When Berg initially suffered the injury during a training session ahead of the first Celtic game back in October, there were fears that he might not have played again this season.

But the former Manchester United stopper was determined to fight his way back to full fitness and now he wants to play as many games as he poossibly can before he retires from English football in the summer.

"I want to play games. Never mind if it's my last season or not, as long as I'm here I want to play as much as I can," said Berg.

"That's why I came to Blackburn so hopefully I'll be back soon.

"We've still got everything to play for. Hopefully, we can push up the league and maybe look for that European place.

"And we are still involved in the FA Cup."

With Todd and Neill both missing for the Villa game, Berg's experience at the back could be crucial on Sunday.

Although Rovers recently won there handsomely in the FA Cup, Villa will be confident of exacting some revenge this weekend, especially after thrashing Middlesbrough 5-2 to record their first away win of the season earlier this week.

"They hammered Middlesbrough away so their confidence will be sky high and they've also brought in a new player in midfield who they say is a very good player," said Berg.

"I know we beat them in the cup a couple of weeks ago but I'm sure they've forgotten about that so it will be a very hard game for us.

"But in the Premier League there are no easy games and as a player you want to play in the big games and the good games."