GARRY Flitcroft is praying that lightning doesn't strike twice to deprive him of the chance of another red-letter day.

For the Blackburn Rovers midfielder has already seen injury deprive him of one opportunity to face Manchester United since his move from their neighbours and bitter derby rivals Manchester City towards the end of last season.

And he is desperate for it not to happen again - as Rovers gear up for Saturday's big game against Alex Ferguson's Premiership favourites.

Former Maine Road man Flitcroft was a shock absentee from Rovers' goalless draw at Leeds on Monday, after picking up a knee ligament injury in training.

But he hasn't ruled himself out of contention for Saturday and believes he is in with a definite chance of recovering in time.

"It's certainly feeling easier at the moment," he said.

"The problem has been with twisting and turning.

"But, hopefully, I will be able to train later this week and if everything is okay it will then be up to Tony and what he wants to do.

"I thought that was a really good point for the lads at Leeds, we never looked like giving a goal away and he might want to leave things the same."

United, of course, are extra-special opponents for Flitcroft.

As a City player for so long, graduating through their junior ranks, he had to live in the shadows of the success which was enjoyed at Old Trafford. He was bitterly disappointed when a thigh strain kept him out of this season's first meeting, which finished in a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford back in the opening days of the campaign.

"I was on the wrong end of things at City most of the time, but the last derby I played in, we only lost 1-0 and felt we deserved to win it," he said.

."It would be great just to play against them again, especially if we can get the right result."

Meanwhile, Rovers' youngsters left for London this afternoon and their big date at Selhurst Park tomorrow night when they take on Crystal Palace in the first leg of their FA Youth Cup semi-final tie.

Left back Ben Brewer will have to miss out tomorrow (kick-off 7-30pm), after being a regular in the side.

He has ankle ligament problems but that is expected to be Rovers' only major injury concern, with Leam Richardson looking the likely replacement for Brewer in defence.

Otherwise, their line-up seems set to be a familiar one and, before leaving for London, youth development officer Jim Furnell said: "It's a big game for the boys but we are trying to do everything right by staying overnight as the first team would.

"We know Palace will be a good side, they must be to get so far. But we have every confidence that we can do well."

The second leg will be staged at Ewood tomorrow week, April 17 (7-30pm).

Rovers Reserves face Oldham Athletic at Ewood tonight (7pm) in a Pontin's League Premier Division fixture. Rovers from: Given, Worrell, Whealing, Morgan, Broomes, Croft, Ripley, Chisholm, Warhurst, Fenton, Donis, Beattie, Hitchen, Cassin.

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