IRISH wing-wizard Damien Duff looks set to be ruled out for the remainder of Rovers' promotion campaign after suffering a fresh injury blow during last night's tortuous 2-1 defeat against league-leaders Fulham.

On a night of high drama at Ewood, the Republic of Ireland international limped off in agony after damaging a hamstring in the 12th minute.

And, with less than a month of the season to go, Rovers boss Graeme Souness now fears the influential wideman could have played his final part in his side's quest for a Premiership return.

"It looks like Damien could be out for the season which would be a massive blow because he's an important member of the team," said Souness.

"He felt his hamstring go and they often take a minimum of a month to heal so it's unlikely we'll see him again this season."

Duff's injury-woe compounded Souness's misery at the end of a disappointing night in which Jean Tigana's league-leaders snatched a last-gasp winner through Sean Davis despite playing the entire second half with 10-men.

The defeat -- Rovers' first at home since mid-November -- wiped out their game in hand on third-placed Bolton.

And Souness must now raise his troops ahead of another vital clash with inform Stockport at Edgeley Park in two days time.

"We were the better team but Lady Luck has been with Fulham right throughout this year and that extended to last night's game," said the Rovers boss.

"But you have to give them credit for withstanding the barrage and the pressure we put them under.

"For us to lose the game was an absolute nonsense and it makes a mockery of all the possession and chances we had.

"We did everything we've been doing of late which has been winning us games.

"But it was just one of those nights and I think if we'd played on until midnight it would have been exactly the same.

"Now it's all about how we react and it's vital we bounce back as quickly as possible."

Skipper Garry Flitcroft summed up the disappointment in the dressing room. But he is adamant the players have the necessary character to pick themselves up.

"We were totally deflated to be honest but we've got to raise ourselves quickly now for the next game on Saturday," said Flitcroft. "The goal right before half time and then again at the end killed us in both halves.

"But the manager has said we've got to pick ourselves up again and, with the spirit we have in the dressing room, we can do that.

"There wasn't much said at the end of the game because everyone was so disappointed but we've got to pull together now and be up for it against Stockport.

"That's going to be a really tough game, Andy Kilner seems to have got them fired up and they only need a couple more wins to save themselves from relegation.

"But we've got the battlers in our side to get a result.

"At the end of the day, it's still in our hands, we're still in the driving seat and we'll come through this all the stronger.

"It's always tough when you see opposition fans celebrating like that but as long as our fans are celebrating come the last game of the season at Gillingham then we won't be too bothered."