Rovers without key men

Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by PA

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce again has injury concerns ahead of his side's Barclays Premier League game with Birmingham at Ewood Park.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson (calf), captain Ryan Nelsen (knee), Gael Givet (groin), Lars Jacobsen (hernia) and Vince Grella (calf) are all likely to be sidelined.

Loan striker Franco di Santo comes back into the equation after being ineligible to play against parent club Chelsea in Sunday's 1-1 draw.

Midfielder David Dunn is also available despite being withdrawn after 56 minutes with tightness in his calves.

Victory will lift Rovers 14 points clear of the bottom three and virtually guarantee their survival in the top flight for another year.

"With our form at Ewood Park, taking 13 points out of 15 in the last five home games, we should be looking forward to this one," added Allardyce.

"We've done a fantastic job at home, so as good a season as Birmingham are having, we have to view this as an opportunity for another win."

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has no fresh injury worries.

Defender Gregory Vignal, who was among the substitutes against Sunderland at the weekend, stepped up his fitness levels by playing 90 minutes for the reserves last night after a recent calf problem.

On-loan Sunderland utility player Teemu Tainio is available again after being ineligible to face his parent club. James McFadden, Lee Bowyer and Sebastian Larsson are all contenders to start after being substitutes at the Stadium of Light.

McLeish is aware Blackburn will provide formidable opponents, particularly after they held title-chasing Chelsea to a 1-1 home draw on Sunday.

He said: "Blackburn have been strong at home. Sam Allardyce has based his Premier League status particularly on the home games and they are a tough nut to crack there.

"Whether it's the fans or whether the players get an extra lift at home, Blackburn have certainly done most of their business there.

"They have made it difficult there for any team. Chelsea, who are trying to win the league, found it tough so we will find it tough.

"But, away from home, we have surprised a lot of people in certain games and we hope we can surprise Blackburn as well."