BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder David Thompson is eyeing a possible first team return against Norwich on Saturday.

The former Liverpool and Coventry star took another major step on the comeback trail with an eye-catching performance in the reserves' 3-0 win over Wolves last night.

And the 27-year-old is now hoping he has done enough to convince Mark Hughes that he's worth a place in the squad for the crunch trip to Carrow Road.

The last 18 months have been one long injury nightmare for Thompson, who has spent most of that time on the sidelines with knee and ankle problems.

However, he looked fitter than he has done for a while during his 71 minute run-out at Morecambe's Christie Park last night.

And first team coach Eddie Niedzwiecki, who was looking on from the stand, is likely to give Hughes a favourable report as they begin to formulate their plans for Saturday's six-pointer against the Canaries.

"I hope I've got a chance of being involved on Saturday but it's up to the manager," said Thompson last night.

"I'm still a little bit short of fitness but I didn't feel too bad (tonight).

"I know what's required for the Premier League and I'm maybe still a little bit short (of general fitness).

"But I'm available if the manager wants me. Obviously, he had people here watching the game and if they think I can do a job then I don't see why not.

"I could have played 90 minutes out there quite easily, whereas the last time I played in the reserves I couldn't be positive after the game because of the way my foot was feeling.

"It was still killing me."

Thompson has been desperately unlucky with injuries since he joined Rovers from Coventry a little over two years ago.

He underwent two separate operations to cure a knee injury but then his first team comeback against Manchester United earlier this season was curtailed after just 16 minutes as a tackle from Klebersen left him with ankle damage.

But now he can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel and his ability to get forward and score goals from midfield would give Hughes greater attacking options going into a crucial sequence of games against sides in the bottom half of the table.