STEPHANE Henchoz is ready to push himself through the pain barrier once again at The Dell tomorrow, as the pressure mounts in Blackburn Rovers' battle for Premiership survival.

The Swiss international is desperate for Rovers to clinch safety as soon as possible - so that he can get his injury problems sorted out.

And, even though he admits to feeling the pressure, he called on everyone at Ewood to stand up to it and be strong.

Henchoz, who may eventually have to face groin surgery, knows that the relegation clash with Southampton could well go a long way towards deciding both his and Rovers' fate.

"I've had the groin injury for a few months and I cannot train properly," he revealed.

"After the game against Arsenal last week I did not train until Wednesday.

"At the end of the season I have to do something, either have an operation or a big rest.

"In our situation it is not easy but maybe if we can get enough points the manager will say to me that I can rest."

The defender will again have a crucial role to play at The Dell and he acknowledges that the pressure is building on everyone.

"All of us know it's a very difficult situation," he said. "We have six games left, starting at Southampton which will be really difficult, but I think we can get a good result. "It is even more important not to lose to these other teams at the bottom.

"Last season we had pressure because, at Christmas, we were second and four months later we had to fight for a European place.

"But it is even more important to stay in the Premier League.

"I feel the pressure but everybody has to be strong enough to resist it and perform on the pitch."

Henchoz has already decided he will not play for Switzerland in June as he knows he must solve his injury problems.

"When you don't train for two weeks then start again it's okay," he said. "But if it has gone on for three months it's a big problem.

"I cannot start pre-season like this."

Rovers boss Brian Kidd has a few players to check before naming his team, including midfielder Lee Carsley.

He also has to decide whether to play Kevin Davies or Kevin Gallacher with Ashley Ward - or could even opt for both.

Midfield, however, will be the crucial area as Rovers look for a rare win at The Dell.

"Southampton's record is good there but I believe it's what we do that counts," said Kidd.

"Given the trials and tribulations we have had the spirit is smashing among the players. "There are things we can improve and will improve, but there are other things you can't legislate for and have no control over such as injuries.

"But we know what we have to do, we have to work to a system with the players we have got."

Rovers' starting line-up seems likely to come from: Filan, McAteer, Henchoz, Peacock, Davidson, Gillespie, Carsley, Wilcox, Ward, Gallacher, Davies, Johnson, Broomes, Marcolin, Dunn, Flowers.

Saints boss David Jones may ask recent signing Marians Pahars to hand them a lifeline in the relegation battle and ex-Rover James Beattie is also a serious contender for a front spot.

Striker Pahars, signed from Latvian club Skonto Riga for £800,000, has yet to start a game.

Jones said: "We have tried not to push him too quickly but he has settled in well."

Moroccan midfielder Hassan Kachloul should start after missing last week's defeat at Aston Villa through international duty, while defender John Beresford could be recalled to the squad following a long-term knee problem. Ken Monkou is suspended and Stuart Ripley is unlikely to be considered after his midweek dismissal for the reserves.

Saints expect to choose from: Moss, Hiley, Lundekvam, Dodd, Colleter, Benali, D Hughes, Oakley, Marsden, Kachloul, Le Tissier, M Hughes, Beattie, Pahars, Ostenstad, Beresford, Hirst.

Elsewhere in the relegation battle, Charlton are at home to Leeds tomorrow, with Everton at Newcastle. Nottingham Forest, who seem doomed, entertain Spurs.

Damien Johnson has been named in the Northern Ireland squad for the friendly against Canada at Windsor Park on Tuesday, April 27, along with Ewood team-mates Keith Gillespie and Alan Fettis.

A regular with the Northern Ireland under-21 side, it will be Johnson's first chance of claiming a senior cap.

Admission is free to season-ticket holders attending tomorrow's 'live' beamback at Ewood of the game with Southampton.

The Jack Walker Stand is open (unreserved seating) and season-ticket holders need voucher 'S'. All other fans can buy tickets, price £5, from the ticket office on the day of the game.

Car parking will be free, subject to availability.

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