TIM Flowers faces several weeks on the sidelines because of his bicep injury -- another injury stunner for Blackburn Rovers on the eve of their trip to Manchester United.

But manager Roy Hodgson revealed today that Kevin Gallacher could be back to face the Reds at Old Trafford.

With Jeff Kenna and Damien Duff also cleared to play following FIFA's intervention Rovers are looking much stronger.

There was also a tonic for Kevin Davies and David Dunn today when they were called up for the England under-21 squad to face the Czechs at Ipswich on Tuesday.

Gallacher's return, wearing a small lightweight cast on his arm, is a terrific boost but with Nathan Blake available after being cup-tied in midweek he may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Duff is also expected to recover from a groin strain but Billy McKinlay is still out.

On Flowers, Hodgson said: "The injury is much worse than we thought and the risk is that we will be without him for up to six weeks.

"The tendon from his bicep to his shoulder is torn.

"I don't think an operation is necessary but he needs a long period of rest." Kenna and Duff are available after FIFA forced the Republic of Ireland to back down and allow players to turn out for their clubs tomorrow, despite the five-day international rule.

Republic boss McCarthy is furious with FIFA for making the exceptuion to the five-day rule.

"It's a joke," he fumed. "I've no axe to grind with those English bosses who were protecting their club's interest, their own jobs and their supporters.

"The people I am really angry with are FIFA. You either have a five-day release rule or not. It certainly hasn't helped me in my preparations for Belgrade."

A report on FIFA's official website referred to a "pragmatic solution" to the situation and added: "The Bureau of the FIFA Players' Status Committee specifically suggested that the clubs release the players in question immediately AFTER their League championship matches."

FAI chief executive Bernard O'Byrne said the FIFA message was received in Dublin with "utter disbelief".

"It is clear FIFA will not apply their own rules in this situation," said O'Byrne.

"Despite this blatant discriminatory decision against the FAI, we must, even at this late stage, abide by the decision."

Rovers seem likely to choose from: Filan, Kenna, Henchoz, Peacock, Davidson, Croft, Johnson, Sherwood, Dailly, Marcolin, Duff, Davies, Blake, McKinlay, Dunn, Broomes, Fettis, Gallacher.

FIFA's ruling also means that Roy Keane will be available for United, who expect to have Phil Neville back from a hamstring injury. Ronny Johnsen and Ryan Giggs are both injured.

United's starting line-up is expected to come from: Schmeichel, Brown, P Neville, G Neville, Stam, Irwin, Beckham, Keane, Scholes, Butt, Blomqvist, Cole, Yorke, Solskjaer, Cruyff.

There were a handful of tickets remaining at Ewood this morning, price £20 adults, £10 juniors and senior citizens.

Tickets (£5) are also available for the Ewood 'live' screening on the giant TV. Season-ticket holders will be admitted free.

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