TONY Mowbray has a trio of stars back in training this week, but the Rovers boss says he’ll ‘wait and see’ if they are ready to face the cauldron of a Lancashire derby against Preston North End.

Charlie Mulgrew, Sam Gallagher and Corry Evans were all involved with the squad on Thursday, with Mowbray happy with how they were shaping up.

Both Mulgrew and Gallagher have missed the last two games through injury, with the Scotland star in particular struggling to shake off a series of knocks since joining the club last summer.

Evans hasn’t played since the home win over Newcastle on January 2, with a long-term groin injury stunting his progress at Ewood Park this season.

But while head coach Mowbray is happy to have somewhere close to a full squad available, he will exercise caution before naming his team to face their play--off chasing rivals.

“Charlie Mulgrew and Sam Gallagher both trained today,” he said. “Corry trained with the group as well.

“They are looking fine, but whether we feel they are ready to start is another questions.

“We’ll have to see whether they come in tomorrow (Friday) with any aches and pains, or they don’t feel they are quite right after the training session, we’ll wait and see.

“It’s good that competition is really strong at the minute and I have some decision to make about which way we go with the team.”

Among those decisions will be whether goal hero Lucas Joao has earned a starting spot against the Lillywhites.

The young striker, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, netted an injury-time equaliser at Fulham on Tuesday to follow up his brace at Norwich last weekend, with Rovers bagging a useful away point on both occasions.

“There are some decisions to be made,” said Mowbray.

“I’m pretty sure Lucas Joao doesn’t want to be called a super sub, he would prefer to be starting, and what more can he do than score his three goals in his two games.

“So there are decisions to be made - Gallagher coming back as well, with both Emnes and Graham (starting recent games).

He added: “I hope confidence is high.

“Training is good, everyone looks bright and wants to get out there and train and work hard. “The camaraderie and the spirit is good.

“I think we’re all really looking forward the weekend.”