JASON McAteer bounced back at Ewood last night to give himself and Blackburn Rovers boss Brian Kidd a much-needed lift.

Out of action for almost six months, McAteer completed 90 impressive minutes with Rovers Reserves to dispel any lingering doubts that he would be back in serious action sooner rather than later.

And the Republic of Ireland midfield star admitted the frustrations of his lengthy absence had started to get to him.

"It's been nearly six months and it's been pretty frustrating watching the lads play and not being able to get involved," he said.

"When you have an injury such as rare as this one I've had it does put that little bit doubt in your mind about when it's going to happen.

"And the gaffer's kept me wrapped up in cotton wool in training.

"I was supposed to play last week but I had a slight groin strain and he didn't want me to chance it.

"So it was nice to get 90 minutes under my belt.

"It hasn't come too soon for me, I loved every minute of it."

McAteer, a genuine enthusiast, would like to consider himself available for first team selection for the next game.

But he knows that the manager is most unlikely to rush him back until he is sure he is ready.

The Merseysider did really well last night, in a 4-0 win, but he looked clearly short of match fitness as regards senior level.

"I felt fine out there but reserve games are completely different to first team matches. It's a different tempo," he admitted.

"But I couldn't have been surrounded by better players than last night. They were fantastic and had loads of enthusiasm."

The injury which laid McAteer low was an unusual one, sustained in the relegation battle at Charlton at the beginning of May.

"I damaged a nerve that runs from the top of your knee into the bottom of your foot," he explained.

"It's an injury that can't be treated. It has to heal itself and it's a long process.

"So it's nice to get a bit of contact, get the bit between my teeth and throw some challenges in."

And he also had a special vote of thanks for the medical staff who have worked with him for countless hours.

"I've not been the nicest person in the last few weeks," he added.

Meanwhile, Rovers will be making their own checks on another Republic of Ireland midfielder Lee Carsley after he returned home prematurely from international duty.

The Irish team doctor made the decision last night that Carsley would not be fit in time for this weekend's final game against Macedonia in the Euro 2000 qualifying tournament.

His report said that there was nothing broken in the ankle but the midfielder had a very badly bruised foot and it was decided to send him back to his club.

Damien Duff and Jeff Kenna remain with the Republic squad, while Carsley will have treatment at Brockhall.

Rovers will be looking at getting him fit for the next game, the Worthington Cup tie at Leeds next Wednesday. But, more significantly, the next First Division match is not until Saturday week when Grimsby visit Ewood.

Callum Davidson and Christian Dailly both completed 90 minutes as Scotland qualified for the Euro 2000 play-offs and seemed to come through the game against Bosnia without any injury problems.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.