VINCE Grella is expected to miss Sunday’s East Lancashire derby with a thigh injury picked up while playing for Australia at the weekend.

Along with his Australian team-mate Brett Emerton, Grella reports back at Ewood after international duty today and will be checked over by the club’s medical staff.

The club are already fearing the worst, though, after he was withdrawn from Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Oman, although he has not yet officially been ruled out.

Grella is expected to join fellow central midfielder Steven Reid (Achilles) on the sidelines.

Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will be relieved after the midweek international games passed by without further injuries, with Keith Andrews rested from the Republic of Ireland’s 0-0 draw with Montenegro.

Allardyce will also have a defensive selection dilemma,with Ryan Nelsen, Gael Givet, Pascal Chimbonda and Chris Samba all fit for the clash.

Lars Jacobsen should line up at right back, as long he reports back fit from playing for Denmark, but Sunday could be the first time Allardyce has so many defensive options at his disposal.

Goalkeeper Paul Robinson should have recovered from a hip injury in time to play.