BRIAN Kidd picked up a bonus even before watching his side slaughter Norwegian minnows Fredrikstad last night - good news about Garry Flitcroft and Ashley Ward.

The Blackburn Rovers boss and physio Dave Fevre were in contact with the medical men back in England shortly before last night's 8-2 win in the final game of the club's Scandinavian tour.

And the verdict was that it is hoped Flitcroft will be able to resume training next week after a precautionary visit to the specialist to check his knee.

Ward should also be back within 7-10 days after being cleared of any serious problems with his instep injury.

The duo were homeward bound last Monday after it was decided they would not be fit enough to take part in either of this week's two matches against Lillestrom and Fredrikstad.

Rovers decided it would be wiser for them both to be checked again, especially Flitcroft who has not played since last October when he needed surgery.

"We were taking the view that we would have heard much earlier if it had been anything serious with Garry," said Kidd before leaving for Oslo airport and today's flight home.

"But hopefully he can now get back to training as soon as possible, though he has missed quite a lot of football work.

"And it's good to know that it has been confirmed there is no serious damage as far as Ashley is concerned as well." Physio Fevre, who has already totally immersed himself in his work with a squad which is still suffering an injury hangover from last season, explained that Flitcroft had merely had some inflammation of the knee.

The midfielder has received some treatment and that should clear the problem.

Whether he has enough time to declare himself fit for the start of the season remains to be seen but he has missed a week at an important stage.

The important thing, however, is that there is nothing seriously wrong, as with Ward. It's just a matter of time as he waits for the soreness to go from his foot.

Apart from the fact that several players have been feeling a little under the weather this week, with a virus in the camp affecting Matt Jansen and Darren Peacock in particular, Rovers also have a few niggling injuries.

Goalkeeper John Filan has a slight ankle knock - though nothing serious - while Peacock was a late withdrawal last night having tweaked a knee.

Jason Wilcox was going to be on the bench but started instead.

The combination of problems mean Rovers are llikely to field a significantly under-strength side in Saturday's friendly at Blackpool.

"We cannot afford to take chances with anybody at this stage and that's why we have already called off today's reserve game against Bolton. Some of those players may be needed on Saturday," said Kidd. One lift for the manager last night was that Jeff Kenna was able to get back in action for the first time since he had surgery earlier this year.

"It was good just to be back playing again," said the defender. "And I didn't have any problems."

He replaced David McNamee who looked to be in trouble, needing treatment over the touchline.

But Kidd said: "It was just a knock, we don't think there's any problem there and it was a nice game for Jeff to come back in."

Apart from the injury and illness problems, it has been a successful pre-season trip with two wins and a draw for a squad which was minus a number of players who were expected to be in contention for places.

"I wanted the players to keep going and not take their foot off the pedal, to keep working hard and they did," said Kidd.

"The games are all part of the preparation just like the training."

"It was unfortunate for the two Fredrikstad lads who got sent off. I felt sorry for them.

"But it was still a good workout for us and I thought we did very well.

"The lads showed respect to Fredrikstad by not taking it easy when the game was already won.

"It has been an excellent training camp. The hospitality has been first class.

"But I have been here many times in my career as both player and coach and that's why I wanted to come to Norway when I became manager of Blackburn. "The boys have responded to it well. Credit to them, they have all worked tremendously hard in training as well as in games."

There is no reason to suggest Rovers have any interest in Aston Villa's Simon Grayson despite speculation in one of today's papers.

Fredrikstad keeper Per Kristiansen has been doing some training with the Rovers squad during their stay but don't expect a plunge into the transfer market.

It was more of a gesture by Rovers to their hosts, as well as being able to take a close look at Kristiansen, who is highly rated and a member of the Norwegian under-19 squad.

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