ROY HODGSON is expected to wheel out what big guns he has available here in tonight's final game of Blackburn Rovers' Swedish tour against Second Division side Kristianstad.

But he also saluted the efforts of several young bloods who have risen to the occasion and done themselves no harm on a trip that has been bedevilled by ill-luck.

The Rovers boss is expected to start with players such as Chris Sutton, Stephane Henchoz, Kevin Davies, Tim Sherwood and John Filan for the first time tonight.

But he will also still include a smattering of the young talent which has emerged during the last few days.

He does not really have much choice, especially if he wants to rest players like Garry Flitcroft who has worked tremendously hard both in training and the two games played so far.

Marlon Broomes has started both matches, Wayne Gill has featured in midfield and David Worrell made a substitute appearance at centre back on Saturday.

But Hodgson has been delighted with their performances and clearly regards it as a bonus on a tour which threatened to fall apart with one problem after another.

Rovers victory in Jonkoping on Saturday gave them a lift and earned young wingers Jim Corbett and Damien Johnson a special tribute.

"It was a very young side," said Hodgson. "We had several players playing only their first or second game for the club and I thought they did very well against quite experienced opponents. We dominated the game from start to finish and were very good value for our 2-0.

"There were some outstanding individual performances from young players. The wingers did well, ever so well. It's not an easy thing to come in to a game like that and it was a very inexperienced midfield.

"So it was important for us to keep the ball and make sure we retained possession which we did very well. In fact, our two centre backs had the ball as much as anybody.

"We scored two good goals and we could have had more.

"At this stage it's always a little bit difficult. Firstly because people are tired and they have worked very hard all week. Secondly the grass is long and the ball is that little bit slower and you need a bit more strength in your legs to put some speed into the game.

"But I felt we kept the tempo up very well.

"The opposition wasn't bad. There were some experienced players out there such as the centre back who has captained Sweden's Under 21 side and another boy who has been a professional in Portugal. "So we weren't playing against a team of no hopers and, what's more, don't forget that these lads have been training and playing for six or seven months in their respective leagues and that gives them a slight advantage.

"But I thought we did very well."

Tonight, against Kristianstad, Hodgson would like to give certain players - notably Flitcroft - a rest if possible, but he only has 16 outfield players remaining so his choice is limited.

Several 'stars' will start for the first time but Hodgson is also likely to give the likes of Corbett and Johnson another chance to show they are capable of challenging for a first team spot in the coming season.

"It's a better standard than a reserve team game and it's much tougher for them because they are playing in front of an audience," added the manager. "So we were satisfied with the day's work on Saturday and hope we can get another good game tonight then we will be very happy with our training camp."

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