Todd Cantwell could return to Blackburn’s starting XI against Millwall after making his comeback from injury in midweek against Oxford United
Struggling Blackburn Rovers could receive a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s EFL Championship clash with Millwall, with captain Todd Cantwell pushing for a return to the starting line-up.
The midfielder made his comeback from injury during Rovers’ midweek defeat away to Oxford United, appearing for the final 17 minutes off the bench. It was Cantwell’s first involvement since February after a foot problem kept him sidelined during a tense stretch of the season.
His return could not come at a better time for Blackburn. Rovers are currently 20th in the Championship table and only one point above the relegation zone. Leicester City sit 21st on 38 points, the same tally as Oxford United who occupy the final relegation spot.
With games running out, Blackburn need creativity and attacking inspiration, something Cantwell has regularly provided when fit.
The former Norwich City and Rangers midfielder is widely regarded as one of the squad’s most technically gifted players and could now play a key role in the club’s survival push.
However, Blackburn face a difficult challenge this weekend. Millwall host Blackburn at The Den in outstanding form and currently sit third in the table, just one point off the second automatic promotion spot. They also hold a commanding 14-point cushion over seventh-placed Southampton in the race for the play-offs.
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Todd Cantwell return could boost Blackburn attack
Rovers boss Michael O’Neill knows his side will need to match Millwall’s intensity if they are to secure a crucial result.
“It will be a very tough game,” the Northern Irishman said to RoversTV. “Millwall have done very well. They have that momentum from the early part of the season and have held onto it.
“A lot of clubs aren’t able to maintain it and they fall away in that situation, but they’ve maintained it.
“I expect a tough game against a strong, physical team, and we have to match their appetite for the game.
“They’ll be desperate for three points for different reasons than us, but our appetite and hunger for the three points will have to be the same.”
If Cantwell is deemed ready to start, Blackburn will hope his creativity and attacking threat can help turn their fortunes around at a critical point in the campaign with just nine games remaining.
