The Blues midfielder has just resumed training having been sidelined for the last three weeks with a hamstring injury.
On loan midfielder Salif Diao plays his second game in a week for Keith Bertschin's side as he looks to step-up his match fitness having been sidelined for eight weeks with a calf injury prior to his first team return against West Brom earlier this month.
Clinton Morrison is the only other first team regular included in the second string squad for the game at Morecambe FC's Christie Park tonight.
Blackburn: Drench, Barr, Taylor, Harkins, L. Jones, Nolan, Watt, Byrom, Derbyshire, Barker, Hodge. Subs: Kane, Fielding, Garner, Woods, De Vita.
Blues: Dormand, Parratt, Alsop, Oji, Painter, Diao, Asa Hall, Carter, Morrison, Till, Birley. Subs: Meredith, James Blake, Howland, Cottrill, Wright.