OWEN Coyle admits he may have to throw Charlie Mulgrew in at centre half against Brentford as Rovers' injury problems intensify.

Mulgrew, a midfielder by trade, has filled in at left back for Rovers in recent weeks but could have to move inside with his Scotland international teammate Gordon Greer an injury doubt.

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With young defender Scott Wharton also on the treatment table, Tommie Hoban and Elliott Ward long-term absentees and Wes Brown short of match fitness, Coyle admits he may have to turn to Mulgrew to fill the gap.

But the Rovers boss, who also has fitness concerns over Marvin Emnes and Danny Guthrie, insists he will have no problem slotting the 30-year-old in alongside Darragh Lenihan on Saturday.

"Charlie Mulgrew is a wonderful player," said Coyle. "He has played at centre back for years. There will no fears if Charlie is asked to step in because he will do it with style and accomplishment because that is the kind of player he is."

Greer is suffering with a leg injury while striker Marvin Emnes and midfielder Danny Guthrie are also doubts for the visit of the Bees while midfielder Hope Akpan is suspended.

But Coyle has been given a boost by the quicker than expected return of full back Derrick Williams who has not played since picking up a hamstring injury against Bristol City last month.

"He has trained all this week and I would hope that Derrick would be available," said Coyle, who will also be able to call on striker Danny Graham, of the 23-year-old,

The Rovers boss added: "If Gordon doesn't make it Wharton won't play as he is injured. He missed the Under-23 game the other night, Wes played but probably needs another couple of games to get up to speed.

"Marvin Emnes remains a huge doubt for the weekend after coming off at Aston Villa.

"Hope Akpan is suspended for this weekend having picked up five bookings and Gordon Greer and Danny Guthrie will be late shouts for the game.

"Gordon was away on international duty and tweaked his leg. He had a similar problem at Brighton last year so we are just ascertaining the severity of it. Saturday might come too soon but we will give him every chance.

"Similarly with Danny Guthrie felt a little muscle injury but we will assess that in the next couple of days.

"We will have players missing but it happens up and down the country and you have to make the best of what you have available.

"We go into a game against Brentford in a good game against a good team and one we are looking forward to and one we want to go and win.

"We want to play as we have been, but being clinical in front of goal, and at the other end eradicating the individual mistakes that have led to some of the goals."