MATT Kilgallon believes he has done enough to retain his place at the heart of the Blackburn Rovers defence for tomorrow’s trip to basement boys Barnsley – even if skipper Scott Dann returns.

Reports last night suggested in-demand Dann had been the subject of a failed bid from Norwich City.

When asked if Rovers had turned down an approach from the Canaries for their captain, Rovers managing director Derek Shaw said: “No comment.”

Dann, who is also wanted by Crystal Palace, missed Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Derby County.

That gave Kilgallon the chance to make his first league start for Rovers since November 9.

And he hopes his assured performance alongside stand-in skipper Grant Hanley will convince Gary Bowyer to stick with him for the Barnsley clash.

“The gaffer is true to his word, if you do well you keep the shirt, and I was quite happy with my performance but obviously it’s up the gaffer on Tuesday,” said summer signing Kilgallon, who played a major part in Rudy Gestede’s goal for Rovers against the Rams.

“The gaffer has gone with Grant and Scott this season as they did really well for him last season when Blackburn were struggling.

“I understood that when I came in but the Championship season is long, there’s so many games and you know you’re going to be in there before you know it.

“It’s not about getting your lip out and spitting your dummy out, it’s about training well.

“I’ve just kept my head down, supported the lads and now I’ve got my chance.”

Dann pulled out of the Derby match with an Achilles injury.

Rovers boss Gary Bowyer said: “He trained on Friday and then overnight he felt the injury.

“He had a fitness test in the morning and he felt he wasn’t fit to play.”

Bowyer fears winger Ben Marshall is set to spend a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he came off on Saturday with suspected ankle-ligament damage.

“We don’t know the full extent of it but it’s not going to be one that is a week or two,” said Bowyer, who is hopeful winger Josh King will be fit to face Barnsley after a knock ruled him out against the Rams.

“Ben has gone for a scan straight away so we’ll know more after the weekend.

“I’m disappointed for him as he’s been playing out of his skin.”

Bowyer confirmed he will attempt to strengthen his squad before tomorrow’s game.

But he clarified that the only permanent signings Rovers – who have been linked with a loan move for Montpellier’s France Under-21s midfielder Bryan Dabo – will possibly make before the window shuts on Friday will be free transfers.

Bradley Orr became the 14th player to leave Rovers this month after he completed his year-long loan to FC Toronto.

Nuno Henrique and Paulo Jorge could follow Orr – and Portuguese compatriots Fabio Nunes and Edinho Junior – out of Ewood Park this week.