CHRISTIAN Dailly could yet have a part to play in Blackburn Rovers' desperate battle to retain their Premiership status.

But, while confirming the defender's progress, Ewood boss Brian Kidd today dampened speculation that Garry Flitcroft was also on the verge of a possible comeback.

Dailly, bought by previous Rovers boss Roy Hodgson from Derby for £5.35 million last August, has not played since December 28 when he was stretchered off at Leicester with a torn thigh muscle.

He tried to return to training some weeks ago only to break down and go back almost to square one.

But an end to Dailly's torment could be in sight - even though Kidd will be wary of pushing him into action too soon.

"He has had a scan which is clear so that's good news," said Kidd who could do with some more of that as the number of players unable to train through injury yesterday was once more into double figures.

"Now he is doing more football work, along with the remedial work so it is looking better.

"But when you have been out for four months you just don't come straight back.

"It's hard enough when you have been off for six weeks."

Kidd, however, is encouraged that the season is not yet over for the 25-year-old defender who has filled a variety of positions and whose versatility would be useful in the present circumstances.

While a return to reserve team action could be on the cards soon, the manager will be wary of rushing Dailly back. Billy McKinlay suffered some reaction at Arsenal in midweek after returning from surgery but, as Kidd explained, the Scot would have played in the reserves the following night if not at Highbury. Despite some speculation to the contrary, Flitcroft is one man Kidd does not believe will return before the relegation issue is settled.

"He's making progress but I cannot see him playing again this season," said the manager about a player who has been badly missed after having knee surgery and making a slower than expected recovery.

"And, first and foremost, we have the player's well-being to consider."

Without a game this weekend, because of Manchester United's involvement in the FA Cup, Rovers fans will still be keeping a close watch on the other relegation battles up and down the country.

Southampton were away to Aston Villa this afternoon, with Charlton at Middlesbrough.

Tomorrow, there is a crunch meeting between Everton and Coventry at Goodison Park.

And Everton will turn to the oldest outfield player in the Premiership, 38-year-old Dave Watson, to guide them through yet another relegation nightmare. The veteran defender will be restored to the team against Coventry and is unlikely to be rested again this season.

Everton are without Ibrahima Bakayoko, who is away on international duty with the Ivory Coast.

And new Scottish international Don Hutchison is serving the last of a three-match ban.

Coventry are expected to be unchanged after two wins over Easter pulled them out of trouble.

That means Gary Breen, the Coventry defender linked at one stage with Rovers, will retain his place.

Breen, who has gone public in stating his desire to leave Highfield Road, is normally a central defender.

But he has been playing right back recently and hopes to impress prospective buyers.

He is expected to move in summer when any Ewood interest could possibly be re-activated.

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