BLACKBURN Rovers defender Ryan Nelsen hopes his injury problems are firmly behind him after he made a successful comeback in the goalless draw with Reading on Saturday.

Back in the side after a 10-week absence, the New Zealand international completed the full 90 minutes at the Madejski Stadium, and was instrumental in ensuring Rovers kept a clean sheet.

The sight of Nelsen back in a Rovers shirt again was the biggest single plus for manager Mark Hughes on what was an otherwise frustrating day.

And the Kiwi, who has been plagued by tendon problems for most of the season, is now looking forward to staying injury-free for the run-in.

"It was my first 90 minutes in a while, so it was really good to come through it, and we got a clean sheet as well, which was really pleasing," said Nelsen.

"I just wish we'd got the three points as well, although I suppose one point isn't a disaster."

Relieved to see his skipper back in action, Hughes said: "I was pleased with Ryan and that was probably one of the main positives on the day.

"I thought he looked strong, he looked assured, and he looked like the Ryan Nelsen of old.

"When I spoke to him after the game, he was really positive, and felt that the injury was fine.

"He was blowing a bit towards the end, as you'd expect, because he's been out for 10 weeks.

"But he was very much back and on the front foot again, so we are pleased with that."

Although Nelsen also conceded he still needs to improve his general match fitness, he was ultimately just delighted to be back playing in the Premier League again, for the first time since the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough in the middle of January.

"I don't want to curse myself but I felt pretty good, to tell the truth," he said.

"Obviously, my fitness wasn't as good as I would have liked, but I'm getting close.

"I feel my speed and my sharpness is coming back, so I just need a few more games now."

As for the game itself, the Kiwi admitted it was probably two points lost, rather than one point gained, from Rovers' point of view.

"It was a game where both defences were on top, which is bit rare when it comes to clashes between Reading and Blackburn," added Nelsen.

"Both teams probably had two really good chances to win the game, but neither could take them on the day."