GRAEME Le Saux has suffered a setback in his bid to return to Premiership action with Blackburn Rovers.

The classy England defender was pencilled in for a run-out in Saturday's Pontins League clash against Everton at Ewood Park.

But the Rovers management team decided not to risk him after he suffered a reaction to the midweek second string game at Nottingham Forest.

Le Saux played for 80 minutes at the City Ground and had expected to step up his recovery still further against Everton.

Assistant manager Tony Parkes said: "He's suffered a little bit of a reaction to the ankle after the midweek fixture.

"The two reserve fixtures were perhaps a little too close for Graeme and we decided to rest him after he felt his ankle on Friday." Le Saux was expected to train at Brockhall today and Parkes added: "He is still making very good progress and the little rest will have helped the ankle."

It is too early to rule Le Saux out of Ray Harford's squad plans for this weekend's vital clash against Arsenal, but his chances of featuring now appear remote.

Meanwhile, defender Colin Hendry continues to make steady progress following groin surgery on Friday.

"We should have Colin back in light training a week today but he'll be out of the first team picture for around a month," added Parkes.

Rovers chaiman Rob Coar continues to flatly deny reports that Tim Flowers is on the move away from Ewood Park or that Rovers have made a fresh enquiry for German striker Jurgen Klinsmann.

Reports linking the England goalkeeper with a move to either Newcastle or Middlesbrough persisted over the weekend. One story even suggested that Middlesbrough are ready to offer Nick Barmby in a makeweight deal for Colin Hendry and Flowers!

Harford is reported to be tracking Birmingham City midfielder Jonathan Hunt. Rovers have watched him in action several times this season.

Kilmarnock defender Gary Tallon is a target for Second Division Blackpool.

Tallon, released by Blackburn over the summer, has failed to hold down a first team place at Rugby Park and wants a move back to England.

Blackburn Rovers A drew 0-0 with Marine Reserves at Brockhall. The B team lost 2-1 at Blackpool. Steve Watkins scored.

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