JASON Wilcox looks certain to be counted out of Blackburn Rovers' Premiership clash with relegation strugglers Manchester City at Maine Road on Saturday.

The comeback man's injury jinx struck again at Villa Park last night, when he was forced out of the club's latest defeat with an ankle injury.

And both Rovers and the player were anxiously awaiting the verdict from precautionary x-rays being taken today.

Wilcox went down injured in the first half of the game against Aston Villa and the concern of his team-mates was obvious as they clustered around him. But, happily, the problem turned out to be a twisted ankle rather than anything more serious.

The x-rays are just to confirm that it is only a straightforward sprain.

He was actually able to play on with it for a short time and the likliest scenario seemed to be that he will be out for a week or two.

In Rovers' present situation, however, that is bad enough.

Manager Ray Harford (pictured) has now lost both his wingers again in Wilcox and Stuart Ripley.

But Mike Newell is available again after completing his two-match suspension.

Last night's game threatened to boil over near the end in a flurry of bookings.

Substitute Graham Fenton was cautioned on his re-appearance at his old ground and skipper Tim Sherwood got a yellow card for lunging in on Dwight Yorke, even though he didn't appear to have made contact. Rovers' players gestured angrily at Yorke who, they seemed to feel, had made a meal of the incident.

But there were no complaints afterwards.

There was some confusion as to whether the referee had booked Sherwood or Yorke but he said afterwards that he had taken the name of the Rovers captain.

Sherwood said: "I suppose it was for intent. He (Yorke) got up and tried to save me but it was too late then." Villa boss Brian Little said: "I thought Tim was a bit late but I think he missed him. One or two of their lads thought Yorke was diving but he was just getting out of the way."

Rovers have re-arranged their home Premiership game against Leeds United for Wednesday, March 13 (7-45pm). It should have been played on March 23 - the weekend when Leeds are involved in the Coca-Cola Cup final.

Following last night's FA Cup ties, they now have to find a new date for the home game against Wimbledon.

The Dons will be involved in the FA Cup quarter finals on Saturday week, meaning their scheduled trip to Ewood has been postponed.

Saturday's game at Maine Road is a sellout for Rovers supporters. The last remaining tickets of their allocation were snapped up yesterday. Tickets for the Premiership clash with Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Saturday, March 16, went on open sale yesterday. They are priced £21 (upper tier) and £18 (lower). Tottenham are not giving any concessionary prices for juniors or senior citizens.

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