BLACKBURN Rovers remain without four first-team players through injury.

But skipper Grant Hanley, who turned 23 yesterday, has returned from international duty with wounded pride only.

Rovers boss Bowyer fretted when he watched Hanley come off midway through the second half of Scotland’s 3-1 loss to England at Celtic Park on Tuesday night.

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But he breathed a big sigh of relief after speaking to his skipper, who hurt his knee while playing for Scotland against Georgia last month, after the match.

Bowyer said: “My heart was in my mouth when Grant came off but I was quickly on the phone to him and he was fine.

“It was just a case of looking after him so we are appreciative of Gordon Strachan and Scotland for that.

“I say fine, injury wise, but trust me, he’s had some stick (off the English lads).”

Hanley’s fellow defenders Matt Kilgallon and Tommy Spurr are still sidelined.

Kilgallon is another two weeks away from a return after aggravating his knee on the eve of the 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break.

And Spurr is continuing to recover from the serious groin problem that has prevented him from a kicking a ball this season.

Midfielder Jason Lowe, like Spurr, is not involved in full training.

He is, however, making progress after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.

But the fitness of winger Josh King is concerning his manager.

Bowyer, whose side host Leeds United tomorrow, said: “The only one that is taking a little bit longer is Josh King, I’m afraid.

“It is a difficult one because of his back but hopefully he’ll make progress enough to start getting close after the Middlesbrough game.”