BLACKBURN Rovers midfielder Corry Evans will not rush back from the injury that will rule him out for the rest of the year.

The 23-year-old is determined to return fitter and stronger after suffering a torn ankle ligament while playing for Northern Ireland.

But his eagerness to resume the impressive start he has made to his Rovers career is offset by the realisation that a hurried comeback could have long-term consequences.

Evans said: “You have to make sure with this exact ligament injury you are fully healed before you come back.

“Or else if you came back too early you’ll end up with chronic ankle pain and it will affect your career along the line in years to come.”

Evans is expected to spend a minimum of 10 weeks on the sidelines after being victim of a heavy challenge during Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifier in Israel last week.

The injury could not have come at a worse time for the former Manchester United youngster.

After overcoming a groin strain he picked up before his £750,000 switch from Hull City in August, Evans had cemented his place in Gary Bowyer’s starting line-up with a series of outstanding performances.

“I was just getting my fitness back and getting into the rhythm of playing again,” said Evans, who won promotion to the Premier League with Hull last season.

“I was feeling good and playing well but these things happen in football.

“I’ve got a very good fitness and medical team behind me who have dealt with these injuries before. They’re experienced and they know what they’re doing.

“When you miss pre-season it takes a wee while for you to get that match fitness and match sharpness.

“But in the last few games I was finding my way. We were playing some good stuff and it was very enjoyable to be part of the team.

“As I say, that’s football, but it’s just the timing of it and the fact that it was during the internationals that makes it that bit harder to take.

“But I just have to get my head up now and return fitter and stronger.”

Evans has a protective cast on his injured ankle to keep the swelling down and ease the pressure on it when he walks.

He has been told to rest up for the first two weeks of his recovery but he will be back at Brockhall on Monday to assess his ankle.

“There’s a really good atmosphere at the club and the training ground is a lovely place to come to every day,” said Evans.

“The facilities, the staff and the players are great. It’s a really enjoyable place.”

Evans is sure Rovers boss Bowyer has the strength in depth to replace him.

He said: “Now it’s a great opportunity for players obviously disappointed not to be playing to come in and show the manager they should be playing. I wish them all the best.

“It’s a team game and we’ll definitely need the squad throughout the season.”