Hughes calls for Boxing Day break

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes believes Boxing Day fixtures should be consigned to history.

He has reiterated his view it is time for a short winter shutdown in line with other European nations. Blackburn face five games in a fortnight, starting on Saturday against Arsenal.

"There is the capacity to have a break. Maybe it is time the situation was looked at and the guys given the opportunity to have bit of a rest, enjoy the company of their families and then come back," said Hughes. "They would then really forward to the second half of the season."

He added: "Most of the European countries do it (have a break) and maybe it is something we need to embrace.

"Look at the Boxing Day fixtures - if you are playing local derbies you would get big crowds anyway.

"At the top level the finance generated by those fixtures is not the same as in days gone by.

"I am all for the tradition but maybe these traditions don't hold as much as they once did, certainly not at the top level.

Zurab Khizanishvili looks set to return to the squad following a groin injury, while his fellow defender Stephane Henchoz is available again after suspension.

Brett Emerton could also come into contention following a hamstring strain but striker Benni McCarthy is banned.