JOSH King returns to the Blackburn Rovers squad for Saturday’s visit of table-topping Leicester City to Ewood Park with a challenge ringing in his ears from boss Gary Bowyer.

Bowyer believes the fit-again winger, who has missed the last six matches with a hamstring injury, can play a big role before the season is out.

But the Rovers boss, whose side have not given up on making the play-offs, wants King to add to his tally of one goal and three assists.

Bowyer said: “We’ve missed Josh and the threat that he brings.

“I think this season we’ve seen an improvement in his game.

“That said there is room for more improvement from him. He’s aware of that and he wants to get better.

“So what we’re looking for him to do is finish the season on a real high and add some more goals to his tally and create more goals too.

“Just seeing him back out on the pitch and with a smile on his face is a boost to everyone.”

The pacy King proved he is back to full fitness after coming through 45 minutes of last Friday’s Under 21s Premier League clash at Liverpool before playing for an hour in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Preston North End on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old’s return is a boost to Bowyer after striker Rudy Gestede and midfielder Jason Lowe added to his injury concerns. Gestede was knocked unconscious while Lowe went over on his ankle in the weekend win at Huddersfield and both remain under medical assessment.

Bowyer said: “Rudy has been given the all clear and now it’s a case of just seeing how he goes for the rest of the week. Lowey rolled his ankle but he is making good progress. Hopefully he can put himself into contention for Saturday, which would be a bonus as at the time we feared it was another blow.”

Captain Grant Hanley, having missed out against Huddersfield with a hamstring injury, may return this weekend but the match will come too soon for midfielder Tom Cairney.