COLIN Hendry and Henning Berg should be fit for Blackburn Rovers' big kick-off against Tottenham Hotspur at Ewood on Saturday, but there are doubts over several other stars.

Lars Bohinen, Jason Wilcox and Paul Warhurst all picked up injuries in the pre-season build-up.

Chris Sutton is sidelined for several weeks with ankle ligament damage and Billy McKinlay serves a one-match suspension - a hangover from last season - on Saturday.

So Rovers boss Ray Harford finds himself in a familiar situation, waiting on fitness reports before being able to finalise his plans and facing up to picking a team from a depleted squad once again.

There was a major worry over Hendry, who was substituted during the first half of Monday's final pre-season friendly against Preston.

And Berg left the field in the closing seconds.

But, in both cases, it seems they were only playing safe.

"Colin just tweaked a groin and it was the same for Henning," said Harford.

"They came off simply as a precaution and should be okay." The injury problems have been the only black mark on the preparations for the manager.

"I have been very happy with the attitude and the application of the players," he said.

"Their discipline has also been terrific. They have handled themselves really well and we haven't had a single booking in any of the pre-season games.

"We have worked very hard at getting the ball back without diving in and conceding silly fouls and the players have responded very well."

Both Warhurst (groin injury) and Wilcox, who has had ankle and knee problems after training on the hard grounds, missed the Holland tour, on which Bohinen suffered a hamstring strain.

But at least Tim Flowers is okay now after missing the first four matches before playing in the game at Preston.

The keeper said: "I really needed that game but now I've had 90 minutes I'll be working flat out until Saturday to make sure I am ready." Robbie Elliott should also be available, though whether Rovers will throw the new man in at the deep end remains to be seen.

He was expected to complete his medicals today and has to sign before tomorrow lunchtime to be eligible for Saturday's game.

There was a report in the midlands today that Wolves were aiming to make a £1.2 million bid for Ewood keeper Shay Given.

But Rovers want to hold talks about a new contract with the young Irish keeper, rather than look to sell him.

Given played in the first four pre-season matches and looked the part. He will be challenging Flowers for the senior spot this season.

A Rovers reserve side won 5-0 at Mossley last night to complete their pre-season preparations.

Terry Darracott has had the same group of young professionals throughout the five-match build-up - minus any of the seniors - and is delighted with the way they have performed.

James Thomas and Wayne Gill scored two goals apiece last night, with James Beattie adding the other.

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