Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is confident that striker Matt Jansen is on his way back from an injury nightmare. Jansen, 27, almost quit the game in the summer because of his frustration over his long-term injury problems.
But after Jansen made his first Premiership start in 10 months against Bolton on Sunday, Hughes said: "We hope he will be able to build on this.
"It was important he played a part against Bolton and he did that. It is the first step and we are delighted."
The former England Under-21 star just missed out on a place in England's squad for the 2002 World Cup but has gone through the mill since then.
He suffered serious head injuries in a motorcycle crash three years ago and had a crisis of confidence over whether he would recapture his best form.
Jansen organised his own rehabilitation, including a psychologist, who helped him regain his confidence.
He also suffered knee problems and there were fears he had broken his leg in a pre-season friendly against Espanyol.
But Hughes had enough faith in Jansen's ability to offer him a 12-month contract during the summer.
MMIX
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It would be a great boost if he could recover his form of three years ago, but that is a massive ask, and we can't expect it