DAVID Dunn is poised for a leading role at Everton tomorrow following the news that Morten Gamst Pedersen has been ruled out for a fortnight with a hamstring injury.

The former Birmingham midfielder, who made a telling contribution as a second half substitute in the 2-1 victory over Sheffield United last weekend, is almost certain to start at Goodison, probably on the left, as manager Mark Hughes seeks a replacement for his talismanic Norwegian.

Pedersen became the latest victim of Rovers' injury curse when he damaged his hamstring during Norway's international friendly with Croatia on Wednesday night.

Early estimates would suggest the in-form wide-man could be missing for two weeks, which is a shattering blow for Hughes as Rovers face three massive games in the next eight days in the Premier League, UEFA Cup and FA Cup.

"Morten's having an impact in every game he plays for us at the moment so to lose him for three really important games is a big blow, but these things happen - and usually in international week," said the Rovers boss.

"He's such an important player to us in regard to the amount of energy he brings to the team, and his quality at set-plays."

The depth of Hughes' squad is being tested to the limit by a crippling injury list that seems to be lengthening with each passing week.

Aside from long-term casualties Steven Reid, Robbie Savage and Andre Ooijer, Matt Derbyshire also faces up to a month on the sidelines after a scan revealed he sustained a grade two tear in his thigh muscle during the win over Sheffield United.

To lose Pedersen on top of that means Hughes must now go into the most crucial period of the season with five key members of his first team missing.

"We just don't seem to be able to keep everyone fit at the same time because as soon we get guys fit, others who are just important to us go out of the team at the same time, so there's a bit of frustration in that respect," said Hughes.

News of the set-backs to Pedersen and Derbyshire has at least been tempered by the returns of Dunn and Jason Roberts, who both appeared as substitutes against United last week.

Now the pair could be poised for bigger roles at Goodison, where Rovers will look to serve up a repeat performance of their FA Cup win on January 7.

"The one good thing about all this is we're welcoming back the likes of Jason Roberts and David Dunn after they both got a taste of the action at the weekend," said Hughes.

"Obviously, they've been out for a long time injury wise and they haven't had a great deal of football.

"But we gave them a taste last weekend so it's now a case of edging them up to the point where they can do it for 90 minutes."

Hughes will also make a late check on Tugay before finalising his team to face the Toffees.

The veteran midfield schemer made the gruelling 5,800 mile round trip to Georgia earlier this week for an international friendly so Hughes must assess his physical state.

"We'll just have to wait and see how he is," he added.