Blackburn Rovers No2 Neil McDonald says their fringe players have a great chance of establishing themselves in their Carling Cup tie with Nottingham Forest.

"The manager made some changes for the first [cup] game against Gillingham and with the squad we have and with everyone fit it is a good time to try to give everyone else a game," he said.

"With the team not doing too well in the Premier League at the moment it gives everyone a chance to stake a claim.

"I'm sure it will give everyone the chance to impress the manager and give him a problem for Saturday.

"If they play well they have one hell of a chance to face Aston Villa."