BLACKBURN midfielder Steven Reid could be back in action by the end of this month.

And the Republic of Ireland international, who has been plagued by injury, admitted it couldn't come quick enough.

He said: "To say my lay-off has been frustrating would only be the half of it."

The 26-year-old hasn't kicked a ball in anger for Rovers since August last year after picking up a back injury.

Then, disaster struck in January as he sustained anterior cruciate knee ligament damage in a freak accident at Brockhall as he tried to regain full fitness.

And a hamstring injury in pre-season further hampered his rehabilitation.

But Reid is set to resume training next week and Rovers chairman John Williams admits he could be back to full fitness before the month is out.

He said: "Steven's doing alright and we expect him to return to training next week, which will be great bearing in mind this will be him coming back at the second time of asking.

"He got this far the last time and suffered another knock so he deserves to come back unscathed because of the effort he's put in.

"It's been a tough time for him and it'll be a big boost for everyone at the club. I would think in two or three weeks time he'll be fighting for selection."