BRAVE defender Stig Bjornebye is planning to put months of torment behind him by making his Premiership return against Manchester United on Sunday.

The former Norwegian international made his first team comeback at Wigan earlier this week following eight months out with a career-threatening eye-injury.

And now the 33-year-old full-back has got England skipper David Beckham in his sights as Rovers prepare for the first of three games against United in the space of a month.

"I know what's at stake over the next few days and I'm looking forward to making my Premiership comeback, if that's the case," said Bjornebye, who has fought back from a fractured eye socket.

"I feel ready. I came through Tuesday's game against Wigan without any problems and I expect to get better and better from now on.

"The best way to get your match fitness is out on the pitch.

"I've no problems with my vision anymore so I can't wait to start playing regularly again and to play against United would be a dream come true."

When Bjornebye first suffered the horrific injury following a training accident last April, some specialists feared he may never play again.

But after two operations and months of painstaking rehabilitation under the careful guidance of Rovers' medical staff, the former Liverpool man was given the all-clear to return to first team duty for the first time in eight months on Tuesday night.

And the timing of his comeback could hardly have worked out better, with huge games against United and then his former club, Liverpool, to come in the space of the next five days.

Should he get the nod on Sunday, then the popular defender is likely to be given the task of keeping tabs on Beckham after the United star made his own comeback from injury as a substitute against West Ham last weekend.

But Bjornebye is not overawed by the thought of marking the England skipper should he get the call to arms.

"I did feel rusty against Wigan but I'm not too worried about that because I probably needed a game like that," said Bjornebye.

"I'd only played in two reserve games before this week but I came through those without any problems, especially the last one which felt really good.

"So the next step probably was Wigan and I'm just looking forward to playing in some more games now.

"After coming through the game on Tuesday, I know the fitness base is there to take a step further and I think the feeling will only get better from game to game."

Meanwhile, Rovers have now confirmed the dates for their two-legged Worthington Cup semi-final clash with United.

The first game at Old Trafford has been scheduled for Tuesday January 7 (kick-off 8pm) while the second leg will go ahead at Ewood on Wednesday, January 22 (kick-off 8pm).