BLACKBURN Rovers central defensive duo Elliott Ward and Tommie Hoban could make injury comebacks for the club’s Under-23s this evening.

Ward has been out since the opening day of the season where he sustained an ankle problem, before suffering a recurrence of the injury in October while Watford loanee Hoban hasn’t played since requiring shoulder surgery in November.

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But both could feature in the Premier League Cup group clash against Cardiff at Leyland tonight (7pm).

Damien Johnson’s men are almost certain of a place in the next stage of the competition, needing to avoid defeat from tonight's game to progress to the last 16.

Johnson’s side, who have won all five of their games so far in 2017, will be looking to extend that run in their penultimate group fixture.

Their 4-0 win over Burnley last time out made it two wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening four group games in the competition.

They will complete their group fixtures against Sunderland at Leyland on Thursday (12noon). 

New Rovers head coach Tony Mowbray revealed defensive duo Ward and Hoban were closer to action having trained with the first-team in recent weeks.

Their returns will be welcomed by Mowbray whose main task after taking charge of Rovers will be to improve their defensive fortunes.

Ward, 32, is one of the club’s most experienced defenders and his availability would certainly be a big boost while Hoban started 10 consecutive Championship games for Rovers after arriving on a season-long loan from Watford.

The pair’s absence goes some way to explaining why Rovers have named 11 different central defensive partnerships so far this season.

Kick-off at Leyland is 7pm. Entry is free for season ticket holders on production of their season ticket cards. General admission prices are £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.