Rafa Soares will make his first appearance in a Fulham jersey when the U23s take on Blackburn Rovers tonight in PL2.

The 22-year-old, who joined on a season-long loan from Porto, has been unavailable to play since signing for the club as a result of an ankle injury but has recently returned to training with the U23 side.

Soares last played for Rio Ave last season in a loan deal last season, helping the seventh placed finish in the Portuguese top flight, missing out on the Europa League by a single point.

Peter Grant's U23 side take on Blackburn tonight on the back of a 3-0 victory against West Brom in their last game - their first of the season, and Soares looks set to get at least an hour's playing time as he looks to continue his recovery.

The game, which takes place at the Lancashire FA Ground, kicks off at 7pm.

Meanwhile, captain Tom Cairney has yet to return to training with the group as he continues to struggle with a knee injury.