CRAIG Short is praying his injury nightmare is well and truly behind him as Blackburn Rovers prepare to face Grimsby at Ewood tomorrow.

The 31-year-old defender, who signed from Everton for £2.1million in the summer, has had to kick his heels in the stand after damaging a hamstring at West Brom just a couple of weeks into his Rovers career.

But after a successful return against Leeds on Wednesday night, he now hopes to provide the defensive backbone required to lead his new club to promotion.

And he belives Rovers can take a lot of heart from the way they played at Elland Road, despite falling to a late sucker punch.

"It's going to be different against Grimsby because a lot of the players who played at Leeds probably won't be playing tomorrow," said Short.

"But we can take a lot of heart from that performance.

"I don't know too much about Grimsby but I know they had a great result against Ipswich at home.

"We know sides are going to come to Ewood and sit and defend, a bit like we did at Leeds on Wednesday, and we find it very difficult.

"But we've got to be very patient.

"We did that against Tranmere and again against Walsall and it ground us a result out.

"If we have to do that at home then so be it. "Hopefully we can keep a few clean sheets at home, like we have been doing, and I think we are looking pretty solid.

"And we know we'll get a goal somehow with the lads we've got up front."

Short, himself, was in commanding form against David O'Leary's men alongside Martin Taylor.

But he was just glad to get back into action after the torment of his first few months at Ewood.

"I was so relieved to be back," said Short.

"You come to a new club and it's so frustrating when you suddenly get injuries.

"You end up feeling guilty in the end because you've passed a medical and then seem to pick up one injury after another.

"I was sick of being in the treatment room and I think they were sick of seeing me.

"But hopefully that's all behind me now and I can concentrate on keeping my place in the side."

Short was also impressed with the way Taylor handled himself in the pressure cooker atmosphere of Elland Road.

And although the youngster is likely to make way for either Darren Peacock or Christian Dailly tomorrow, Short believes he has a bright future at Ewood.

"He's a very laid back player and he coped with everything exceptionally well.

"He's also so comfortable on the ball and that's great for the long term future of the club."

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