Blackburn boss Steve Kean has revealed that defender Scott Dann is set to return to the Rovers first team sooner than had initially been expected.

32709 - Dann gives Rovers fitness boost

Dann has been sidelined due to a ruptured testicle he suffered in the 2-1 Premier League defeat to West Brom at Ewood Park on December 17.

It had been feared that he would be out until February, but Kean has reported good news on the 24-year-old centre-half, who may be ready to make his comeback a week on Saturday when Blackburn travel to Everton.

''Scott has made great progress,'' Kean said. ''It was originally thought that he would be sidelined for at least six weeks, but he is back training inside a month and very close to returning to match action, which is obviously great news.''