Allardyce hopes for trio return

Allardyce became Blackburn manager in December

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has said Steven Reid, Brett Emerton and David Dunn could all be in contention for the start of the season.

Allardyce believes the trio - who have all faced lengthy spells on the sidelines - will return as long as there are no further complications.

"The timescale is certainly back fit in time for the start of the season," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Whether they get selected is a delicate matter, though."

Dunn underwent operations on both Achilles tendons, Reid continued to struggle with a long-term knee problem, only managing four appearances, while Emerton sustained a cruciate knee ligament injury against Middlesbrough in January.

And Allardyce believes their return will boost Blackburn's strength and depth.

"I always think when a player returns from a long-term injury they come back like a new player," he said.

"It's because they've been through such depression by trudging through gym work and around the training ground on their own.

"So the delight they feel when they're given the all-clear and start getting involved in the banter again means they're totally refreshed.