HENNING Berg is out of Norway's World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Oslo next Wednesday.

The Blackburn defender was forced to pull out of the fixture after failing to shake off a troublesome mystery virus.

Tony Parkes, Rovers assistant manager, said: "Henning is not one 100 per cent yet and he needs a few more days to recover from the virus.

"He will not be fit enough to play for Norway but we are keeping our fingers crossed he'll be ready for the Arsenal game."

And the reliable Berg has a message for Ray Harford as the Blackburn Rovers boss prepares to shuffle his defensive pack against the Gunners - You can count on me.

The Norwegian ace was arguably the best right back in the country when Rovers won the title and has remained a consistent performer ever since. But Harford switched the international star to partner Colin Hendry in the heart of defence against Brentford - resulting in the first clean sheet of the season.

There will be no Hendry against the Gunners after the Scotland international had groin surgery yesterday but Berg said: "I am comfortable there.

"Before I came to Blackburn I had played centre half all my life and I play there for the international team.

"I played centre half a few games last season and, if the manager wants me there, I am happy with that.

"It's easier to play centre half than right back. "You can see the game better. You can see everything without doing the same running.

"At full back you have to get forward and be up and down all the time."

Although it was Rovers who converted Berg into an excellent right back, even Harford admits the Norwegian's best position is in the centre of defence.

"I think I am probably a better centre half than full back," said Berg.

"But it's up to the manager where he wants me to play - just as long as I am in the team.

"I'm not bothered. If he wants me to be at full back, then I'll do it."

Berg's attitude to his varying roles - he even helps out at left back from time to time, despite admitting to some discomfort on that side - is just what Rovers need in their battle to climb away from trouble at the foot of the Premiership.

Graeme Le Saux is pencilled in for another comeback game against Everton Reserves at Ewood Park tomorrow (2pm). The England defender played 80 minutes of Wednesday's Pontins League game at Nottingham Forest.

Striker Kevin Gallacher - forced out of Scotland's World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Estonia with a hamstring problem - hopes to be fit for the Arsenal game.

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