BLACKBURN Rovers manager Mark Hughes has told Andy Todd and Dominic Matteo they will have to be patient if they want to force their way back into his first team plans.

Both players are currently on the periphery at Ewood Park, even though Hughes has been without his first choice centre-back, Ryan Nelsen, all season due to a hamstring injury.

However, the Rovers boss is not prepared to let either man go out on loan, at least until January anyway, because a crippling injury list has left him short of cover in key areas.

Hughes said: "We've lost a lot of players to injuries in recent weeks so I can't afford to let anyone out at the moment, certainly not on loan.

"There's been a number of enquiries for players but I'm knocking them all back at the moment, apart from ones for the younger players in the squad who might need to go out for experience.

"In the case of senior players, though, it's difficult for me to let anyone out."

Todd began the season as the club captain but lost his place in the side three games into the campaign, and he hasn't figured again since.

Matteo's fall from grace is even more dramatic.

After being a regular in the team during Hughes' first season with the club, the 32-year-old has made just seven first team appearances in the 15 months since, the last of those coming against QPR in the FA Cup in January.

While Hughes accepts that both players must be frustrated by their recent lack of opportunities, the Welshman insists he must do what he considers to be best for the team.

"It's difficult," said the Rovers boss.

"I've got to look at things and I make decisions which will affect senior players, and younger players as well.

"But they understand that's part and parcel of it.

"Injuries will occur in different positions and maybe they will get an opportunity, so it's then down to them to take it.

"It's been unfortunate (for them), but that's the nature of the game at the moment."

Both Todd and Matteo were named in Glyn Hodges' reserve side for last night's Pontin's Holiday Cup tie with Tranmere at Christie Park.

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