Robbie Savage is one of three former Blackburn players likely to feature for the Rams at Ewood Park.

Derby's relegation from the Barclays Premier League has long been confirmed but Hughes expects Savage, Andy Todd and Jay McEveley to return with points to prove.

Rovers need to win to keep alive their slender hopes of qualifying for Europe via the Intertoto Cup, while also hoping Aston Villa slip up against Wigan Athletic.

Hughes said: "Knowing Robbie as I do as a player and a personality, I knew at that stage in his career he wanted to be playing week in, week out.

"I was clear he still had a role to play but I couldn't guarantee that.

"So, in the end, I made the decision to let him go. But he was still a fantastic player for us and had a big impact on what we are trying to do.

"All three of them were great for me but there comes a point where you feel a player's time at the club is best served by them leaving.

"They were very influential in their time, certainly Sav and Toddy - and Jay to a lesser extent.

"They had key games for us. I am looking forward to seeing them again.

"On paper people are saying it is a shoo-in for Blackburn but you have to remember we have got former players coming back - not just one, but three.

"You know they will be trying to make an impression and we have to be mindful of that. It's always nice to welcome players back as long as you beat them."