MATT Derbyshire has been forced to put his England dream on hold after becoming the latest victim of Blackburn Rovers' injury curse.

The in-form striker, who was hoping to make his debut for the Under 21s in tomorrow's friendly with Spain at Pride Park, instead faces up to a month on the sidelines after tearing his thigh muscle during Saturday's 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.

The 20-year-old lasted just 17 minutes against the Blades before he collapsed in agony when chasing a ball down the left hand touchline.

Derbyshire was clearly in considerable pain and had to be helped from the field by physio Dave Fevre and club doctor Phil Batty.

He was due to have a scan today to determine the full extent of the tear, but initial estimates suggest he could be missing for anything between three and six weeks, which is a cruel blow as it came just days after his first ever international call-up.

However, Derbyshire is refusing to wallow in self-pity and insists he will prove he's worth another call-up when he returns to action next month.

"These things happen but I've just got to get my head up, keep concentrating, and get myself fit again, and I'm sure if I do that then I'll get another chance (with the Under 21s)," said the striker.

"There was no contact with anyone else, I just felt it go when I planted my foot on the ground as I chased the ball down the touchline.

"I don't know exactly how long it's going to keep me out. We'll find out more details in the next few days, then I'll have to take it from there."

Losing Derbyshire is a bitter pill to swallow for manager Mark Hughes, who has also lost Steven Reid, Robbie Savage and Andre Ooijer to long-term injuries in the last three weeks.

But despite those injury handicaps, Rovers continue to march on in the Premiership, Saturday's victory lifting them back up to ninth position in the table, and within striking distance of the European places.

Morten Gamst Pedersen proved to be the hero with a last-gasp winner, having earlier headed the opener, before former Ewood favourite Jon Stead grabbed United's equaliser.

It was far from a vintage Blackburn performance, but Hughes was just grateful for the points following back-to-back league defeats at the hands of Watford and Chelsea.

He said: "Losing Matt had an impact on us so all in all I am delighted with the result. With two or three minutes to go, having just lost a guy to a harsh sending-off, you think you will take a draw and be happy enough."