Modeste In Line For Debut

On loan striker could make Goodison bow.

Blackburn hope to hand latest signing Anthony Modeste a debut when they travel to Goodison Park on Saturday.

The 23-year-old French striker joined Rovers on loan from Bordeaux this week and could go straight into Steve Kean's side in place of suspended former Everton man Yakubu.

Bordeaux reportedly parted with €3.5 million Euros to acquire powerhouse Modeste from Nice 18 months ago but a record of just three goals in 15 appearances this term has seen him fall out of favour with Les Girondins boss Francis Gillot.

"He's got a lot to prove as he went to Bordeaux for a big fee but I think he could be a real addition to our squad," said Kean. "He's not too young but he's not in the twilight of his career either, and if you look at his attributes as a player he's got something we don't have. He likes to play on the shoulder of the defender, to run in behind, he can stretch the game and technically he's good.

"He [will] certainly complement the other strikers we have."

Kean could also offer a start to Scott Dann in his native city with the centre back available again after four weeks out with a ruptured testicle, though the Rovers boss will assess the mindset of wantaway defender Chris Samba before approving his inclusion.

The giant Congolese international saw a transfer request rejected this week in light of a spurned bid from QPR and rumoured interest from Tottenham and Paris St Germain.  

"Scott Dann has trained all week so he is back in the squad for the game," said Kean on Thursday. "Chris Samba trained today and if he trains well tomorrow and if he can get his head right and he's in the right frame of mind then we'll decide whether he's involved."

Yakubu is the only player unavailable from the side which defeated Fulham 3-1 at Ewood Park last weekend, though the visitors are also without Jason Roberts and Michel Salgado due to on-going contract disputes.