Hammers quintet set for return against Rovers

8:07pm Friday 29th August 2008

WEST HAM should have Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Matthew Etherington and Lucas Neill back in the squad for tomorrow's clash with Blackburn, while Craig Bellamy could also make a shock return to action.

The Wales forward has been missing for three weeks with a hamstring injury but is said to have impressed on his return to training this week.

He could compete with Dean Ashton, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears for a place up front against his former club.

Noble, Parker, Neill and Etherington all missed the midweek Carling Cup win over Macclesfield.

Noble was suspended after his sending off against Manchester City last week, while Parker, Neill and Etherington were rested. Valon Behrami, who was substituted in the game on Wednesday evening with a broken tooth, should also be available.

George McCartney made his first appearance of the season against the Silkmen and managed 55 minutes, although he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench against Rovers.

Fellow defenders Jonathan Spector (hip), Danny Gabbidon (abdominal), James Tomkins (leg) and James Collins (knee), and midfielder Keiron Dyer (broken leg), are still out.

West Ham (from): Green, Behrami, Davenport, McCartney, Upson, Neill, Faubert, Parker, Noble, McCartney, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Bellamy, Lastuvka, Reid, Bowyer, Spence, Boa Morte, Mullins, Sears, Widdowson, Hines.