BLACKBURN Rovers duo Steven Reid and Robbie Savage are ready to go through the Spain barrier' in a bid to be fit for the start of the new season.

The midfield pair are so focused on putting themselves in con-tention for the big kick-off on August 11, they have flown in Rovers' assistant physio Simon Bitcom to work with them whilst they are away on separate holidays in Spain.

Both players have been out with long-term injuries since January, Savage having broken his leg in a challenge with Watford's Al Bangura, whilst Reid ruptured his cruciate knee ligament in a freak training ground acc-ident at Brockhall.

However, both are confident they could be back in action in time to face Middlesbrough on the opening day of the season, and to speed up the recovery process, they are even putting in the overtime whilst on holiday.

Savage may even be ready in time to figure in Rovers' two-legged Intertoto Cup tie at the TURN TO PAGE 35 FROM BACK PAGE end of next month, having recently been given the green light to step up his rehabilitation programme.

Reid also has an outside chance of being involved in Rovers' quest to qualify for the UEFA Cup, although manager Mark Hughes may yet decide to ease him back more gradually, given the nature of his injury.

Either way, the fact both are prepared to put in the extra miles now, before pre-season officially starts on July 2, will greatly encourage Hughes, who has described their imminent return as like having two new signings'.