BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has been handed a big fitness boost ahead of this weekend’s trip to Wigan after scans revealed captain Scott Dann’s injury is not as bad as first feared.

Bowyer was concerned that the centre-back was set to spend weeks on the sidelines with a pulled groin.

But results of the tests Dann underwent on Wednesday showed no sign of serious damage.

The skipper now has a real chance of leading Rovers out in Sunday’s DW Stadium clash.

Bowyer said: “We’re delighted. The scan came back positive and it’s not as bad as we first feared.

“The worst fear was that it would have been a pull but the scans showed no sign of that.

“We’ll continue to assess him over the next couple of days but it is really positive news.”

But even if Bowyer decides not to risk Dann against Wigan, he believes he has a ready-made replacement in Matt Kilgallon .

The former Sunderland defender replaced Dann in the dying stages of Tuesday’s Ewood Park encounter with Watford and helped Rovers hold to a 1-0 victory.

It was his first appearance for the club after missing the start of the season with a groin injury of his own.

Bowyer said: “We’re fortunate that we’ve got Matt.

“He’s played in the Premier League and he’s a great lad who has helped with the good spirit here.

“He may not have been playing but his attitude has been superb.

“If Scott is not fit then Matt will be a hell of a replacement.”

David Dunn and DJ Campbell arealso closing in on a return to first-team action.

But neither will be part of the Rovers squad that heads to Wigan on Sunday.

Bowyer sees no reason to rush the experienced duo back when the attacking players in his team are playing so well.

He was thrilled by the performances of Jordan Rhodes, Leon Best and Josh King in the wins over Watford and Bournemouth.

Rovers have sold more than 2,000 tickets for trip to Wigan.

And with supporters able to pay on the gate, Bowyer said: “They are giving us the whole of the away end and I would love to see us get close to filling it. That would be a fantastic effort from everyone.

“I thought the fans were tremendous on Tuesday against Watford, especially in the second half.

“There was a period when we were on top and they played a massive part in it.”

Meanwhile, out-of-favour Rovers winger Fabio Nunes is out for six weeks with an ankle injury.