sport news

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce will have an almost fully fit squad to select from for the visit of Portsmouth to Ewood Park on Saturday.

Strike duo Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts have both made full recoveries from the illness that has swept the Rovers camp and will be pushing for recalls.

Australia international Vince Grella is the only absentee for Allardyce as the midfielder continues to be troubled with a minor thigh problem.

Pompey boss Paul Hart will be without injury-plagued right-back Steve Finnan as his side look to build on last weekend's 4-0 victory over Wigan.

Finnan is struggling with an abductor muscle problem, but striker Frederic Piquionne should play despite suffering a neck injury last week.

Papa Bouba Diop (hamstring) and Hermann Hreidarsson (foot tendon) are recovering well from their injuries but are not ready to play at Ewood Park.