Blackburn Hawks are desperate to chalk up a much-needed victory this weekend as they face Paisley Pirates in a Northern League Cup fixture.

The ice hockey aces have been boosted by the return to fitness of several key players ahead of tomorrow's home clash.

Anthony Kinder should return to action after over a month on the sidelines, while Aaron Davies, who picked up a shoulder injury last weekend, should be fit to face the Pirates. Michel Loksa is hopeful of featuring despite a rib injury.

Peter Tapp, who recently re-joined the club, will be eligible to make a welcome Hawks homecoming.

General manager Graham Lomax admitted that a quiet spell of fixtures over the coming festive period will do his players a world of good.

"We do have a few players back," said Lomax. "But the rest should help everyone get back to 100 per cent.

"In the past games with Paisley have been close encounters. Their ice rink was recently closed down and a few key players left so they are rebuilding their squad.

"We are always confident at home and a win would do a power of good for our confidence."

Junior Max Drakeley and Craig Rogers will both miss out through injury and Ollie Lomax is touch and go.