Neill has impressed since joining from Millwall

Lucas Neill (Defender) Age: 23
A surprise signing from Millwall in September 2001, Neill put pen to paper on a permanent deal after impressing on trial. The Australian has been a regular this season, playing on either the right side of a three-man defence or at right-back.

John Curtis (Defender) Age: 23
Curtis played every league game of Rovers 2000-2001 promotion season but has struggled for his place this season following the arrival of Lucas Neill. A product of the Manchester United youth system, Curtis is a reliable right-back.

Nils-Eric Johansson (Defender) Age: 22
The Swedish defender was signed from German club Nuremberg in October 2001. An accomplished defender who is cool on the ball, Johansson quickly established himself in the first-team squad at Ewood Park.

Martin Taylor (Defender) Age: 22
A tall, powerful defender who came through the successful youth system at Rovers. Taylor was initially prone to the odd lapse of concentration and struggled to cement a place in the first-team squad. But loan spells at Darlington and Stockport increased his self-belief and he is now a key part of manager Graeme Souness' plans.

Henning Berg (Defender) Age: 32
The Norwegian international played an important role in Rovers' promotion campaign last season. His organisational and leadership qualities - allied to his physical presence - ensure he rarely disappoints.

Stig Inge Bjornebye (Defender) Age: 32
Bjornebye had eight years at Liverpool before moving across Lancashire in June 2000. He took time to adjust to life at Rovers but came into his own with a series of mature, experienced performances towards the end of last season.

Hignett scores regularly from midfield

Craig Hignett (Midfielder) Age: 32
Hignett struggled initially at Rovers following his move from Barnsley in July 2000. A series of injuries and indifferent form meant Rovers supporters did not see the best of the attacking midfielder until later in the season. Hignett has featured on a regular basis in the Premier League and scored three goals in Blackburn's Worthington Cup campaign.

Jonathan Douglas (Midfielder) Age: 20
A product of the Rovers youth system, Douglas has just recovered from a serious knee injury and is widely tipped to make rapid progress through the ranks at the club.

Garry Flitcroft (Midfielder) Age: 29
Flitcroft's career has been plagued by injury but, fully fit and on form, the midfielder is one of Blackburn's pivotal players. Sitting in front of the defence, Flitcroft is an assured presence and allows the more creative David Dunn to push forward.

Alan Mahon (Midfielder) Age: 23
Joined Rovers from Sporting Lisbon on a loan deal before signing permanently in July 2000. Mahon is known for his crisp first touch and assured distribution and is used mainly on the left.

Damien Duff (Midfielder) Age: 22
Duff signed for Rovers at the age of 17 and has now made over 100 appearances for the club. The Republic of Ireland international is a tricky left-sided player with the ability to beat his man and deliver an accurate cross.

David Dunn (Midfielder) Age: 22
Dunn has full repertoire of skills and tricks, and is the attacking force in Rovers' midfield. The England Under-21 skipper is widely tipped to receive a promotion to the senior side. A local lad, Dunn has spent his entire career at Rovers and is a big favourite with the club's supporters. Recently troubled by injury problems.

Keith Gillespie (Midfielder) Age: 27
A tricky right winger who began his career at Manchester United before joining Newcastle and then Rovers for �2.25m in December 1998. Gillespie was out of favour last season and loaned out to Wigan. But the Northern Ireland international forced his way back into the reckoning with several outstanding performances and has played regularly this season.

Matt Jansen (Forward) Age: 24
The darling of the Ewood Park faithful and widely tipped as a future England international. Jansen is a tricky striker with great skill, vision and an eye for goal. He has two good feet and is good in the air despite his modest stature. Jansen joined Rovers from Crystal Palace in January 1999 for �4.1m but has easily justified his price tag.

Cole has settled in quickly since joining Rovers

Andy Cole (Forward) Age: 30
Cole joined Rovers from Manchester United for �8.5m in December 2001 and has quickly started to repay Blackburn's investment with four goals. A vastly experienced striker who has won domestic and European honours, Cole had become a fringe player at Old Trafford and joined Blackburn to boost his chances of making the England's World Cup squad.

Mark Hughes (Forward) Age: 38
The veteran forward, who combines his role with Blackburn as Wales national team manager, is mainly deployed as a substitute. Hughes has had a successful, varied career in England, Germany and Spain. A physical player with a reputation for the spectacular.