CHRIS Sutton is on the verge of hitting the comeback trail with a vengeance.

And that's great news for Blackburn Rovers boss Ray Harford who has also been cheered by the progress of his other long-term injury victims Ian Pearce and Graeme Le Saux.

Sutton hasn't played since suffering ankle ligament and tendon damage at Coventry in early December.

But he has had a course of injections, has been able to start training again with the reserves and he said: "I'm desperate to start playing again." Sutton's attitude during his lay-off - he has kept himself as fit as possible - earned Harford's praise.

"He has come on in leaps and bounds this week, though we have had to take it slowly, slowly all along," said the manager.

"Only the player himself can really tell you about his fitness, but he's much more confident since he has seen the specialist.

"He's a fit boy and he has kept himself in great condition all through the weeks he has been out."

The subject of a possible operation has come up in the past but the manager stressed that was always regarded as a last option.

Hopefully, it can now be forgotten.

Harford was also delighted to be able to report that Pearce and Le Saux are both ahead of schedule on the recovery road.

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