Blackburn Rovers midfielder Vince Grella is nearing full fitness and close to starting in the first team at Ewood Park.

The Australian hard man has struggled with injuries since crossing from Italian club Torino but came on in the second-half of the Rovers' Torino but came on in the second-half of the Rovers' 3-0 win over Newcastle on the weekend.

"I am just happy to be on the pitch. It has been a very awkward start to my career but I think I can turn it around," he said.

"I have worked probably harder in the last four months than I have in my whole career before. Personal pride has been at stake and I was doing everything I could to get fit again.

"I have had great support from the club, from the chairman to the medical staff to the coaching staff and it feels great to be back out there again."