BRIAN Kidd is hanging onto the hope that Lee Carsley will be able to solve one of his midfield problems after Billy McKinlay was ruled out of Saturday's relegation six-pointer against Southampton at The Dell.

But the Blackburn Rovers boss has already written winger Damien Duff out of Saturday's plans, even though the Republic of Ireland star is now preparing to return home after they were knocked out of the World Youth Championships by hosts Nigeria last night.

Carsley was originally included in last night's reserve squad to play Everton, as he tries to shake off a troublesome ankle injury. But he was withdrawn.

"After talking to Lee we both felt it was better for him to stay with us and do some work," said Kidd, who will give the former Derby midfielder as long as possible before making a decision.

Carsley had an ankle niggle when he made his £3.375 million move from Pride Park but passed all the medicals without any problems.

Unfortunately, after making his first start for the club at Highbury last week, he picked up another knock and had to be substituted.

It would be a major boost for the side if he was to recover in time to take on Southampton at one of Rovers' bogy grounds.

The manager will also have to check on Stephane Henchoz, who has been playing on despite the handicap of a groin injury.

McKinlay's loss, after attempting to come back at Arsenal following surgery, was not unexpected.

He had not been training before the operation, because of the injury, and is a long way short of fitness.

The early return of Duff will help Rovers but not for Saturday's crunch clash.

He is not expected back in Dublin until tomorrow and Kidd said: "I'll speak to Damien as soon as they get back.

"But he is likely to need a few days rest."

At least Duff should now be available for the Liverpool game when Rovers lose two more players, Callum Davidson and Keith Gillespie, through suspension.

The winger was substituted during the second half of last night's 1-1 draw with Nigeria so was not around for the penalty shootout which the Irish lost 5-3.

He had been suffering a little bit of hamstring trouble during the build-up to the tournament and feeling a little under the weather, so will probably need a few days rest on his return to Blackburn.

While Rovers have enough problems of their own to sort out, Southampton are not entirely trouble free.

And former Ewood title winner Stuart Ripley looks to have blown his chances of a place in Saturday's Saints line-up against his former club after being sent off playing for the reserves last night.

Ripley was shown a red card for violent conduct in an incident with Swindon teenager Sol Davis and Saints reserve team boss Dennis Rofe described his actions as "outrageous".

He added: "Stuart felt he had been elbowed but lost it and just lashed out."

Ripley was expected to face the disciplinary wrath of Dell boss David Jones today and it cannot have done his hopes of playing on Saturday any good.

"I desperately want to play, not because it's my old club but to help us to try to get the win which would help us so much," said the former Ewood winger.

"I'm surprised to see Blackburn down there but that's the least of my problems. I am more bothered about what's happening here.

"It's a massive game for us.

"We desperately need three points, especially with Everton winning on Sunday, which was a bad result for both of us."

Rovers Academy under-19s will have to play Coventry after all and the teams will meet in the first round of the knockout stages at Brockhall on Saturday (kick-off 11am).

Coventry had withdrawn from the competition because of a shortage of under-19 players, for a variety of reasons. But the FA have insisted they fulfil the fixture.

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