TORE Pedersen is set to take his usual place on the bench against Aston Villa tomorrow, aware that he could be losing his World Cup gamble.

The defender joined Blackburn Rovers from Hamburg earlier this season, hoping to cement a place in Norway's squad at France 98.

But he has been unable to dislodge the outstanding Colin Hendry and Stephane Henchoz on a regular basis.

Rovers boss Roy Hodgson, however, believes that players like Pedersen and his fellow-countryman Lars Bohinen should be in contention even though they are not automatic choices for their clubs.

Pedersen said: "There are so many good players now in Norway, it doesn't matter if you are at a big club. You have to play.

"I knew that when I came here and Hodgson said I had to take the opportunity when I got it. I think I played quite well when Colin was out so it's a little disappointing not to be playing.

"But I have to respect the manager."

Pedersen suffered heartbreak in 1994 when he missed out on the finals through injury.

"It was more difficult last time, because I played in all the 10 qualifying games," he said. "This time I have only been in the squad a few times.

"Maybe we can find a solution but I think I have to play (for Rovers). There are so many good players not only in England but still in Norway and other countries." But Hodgson is backing both his Norwegians and feels players are better off with a top club where they cannot guarantee a place, than playing every game lower down the scale.

"I don't agree with that theory and never embraced it when I was a national coach," he said.

"They tend to hide behind the statement because they don't want to pick the player."

Norway used Rovers' training facilities at the start of the week for a get-together and Hodgson was surprised they failed to discuss the situation with him.

"There wasn't a word from the coach," he said.

The manager was also surprised that no-one from the Norwegian FA bothered even to thank him for the use of Brockhall!

While Pedersen will be involved tomorrow, Lars Bohinen faces a lengthy absence with a calf injury. That could lead to a squad place for Anders Andersson.

Hodgson also has to decide whether to recall Billy McKinlay, who lost his place through suspension.

Colin Hendry has suffered with a stomach upset this week but trained today and should be fit.

The man who took it, Garry Flitcroft, is now due to start a ban himself after the Villa game. Rovers look set to choose from: Flowers, Kenna, Hendry, Henchoz, Croft, Ripley, Sherwood, Flitcroft, Duff, Sutton, Gallacher, Wilcox, McKinlay, T Pedersen, Beattie, Valery, Andersson, Fettis.

Beaten at Derby last Sunday, Rovers are aiming to maintain their record of not losing two successive matches this season.

Villa have a few minor doubts and will be without Gareth Southgate (ankle injury).

Striker Dwight Yorke made a successful return in midweek after a seven-match absence with a calf strain and will continue his comeback against Rovers. Their squad is: Bosnich, Wright, Nelson, Staunton, Scimeca, Ehiogu, Draper, Taylor, Grayson, Hendrie, Yorke, Collymore, Milosevic, Joachim, Hughes, Oakes.

Tickets for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Sheffield Wednesday on January 26 (kick-off 8pm) went on sale today.

The ticket office is open until 7pm tonight. They will also be available from the main ticket office tomorrow until 12.30pm and, after that, from the Walkersteel Stand ticket office. Prices are £15 adults, £10 concessions.

Rovers' B team game against Wigan at Brockhall tomorrow has been brought forward to a 10.45am kick-off.

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